BREAD OF HEAVEN

Have you ever sensed God's warm presence in the air when you woke up? I'm sure many of you have experienced it, and perhaps you do it on a daily basis. Some days ago, I woke up with the same feeling of hunger and a longing to simply sit at his feet. So I took my coffee, sat down, and slowly began to read. I was reading through the Gospel of John and came across a passage regarding his disciples' experience after his crucifixion. Looking for fish in darkness, but catching nothing. 

Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.

John 21:3

That morning, it felt as if someone was waiting for me: the fire was burning, the coal was on the fire, and the bread was baking. My room smelled like freshly baked bread. God's word was ready, and so was he, waiting for me.

Beautiful, precious Jesus, the Word of God is with us. The humble, anointed one. The bread of heaven with the burning coal on his fire. Ready to be broken and served to you and me. "Take, eat; this is My body," he said before being betrayed and executed by his own people.

I believe this is what the disciples of Jesus felt that morning as they were trying to catch fish: despairing and full of questions after what they had seen. They had witnessed miracles and walked with Jesus for about three years. But now they realized their own humanity and frailty. They could not do anything without Jesus. Even fishing! After feeling like a failure or questioning everything... Jesus was waiting on the shore with embers of fire and fresh bread, and despite their failings, he called them all as friends.  He longed for fellowship with his friends. The bread of life himself came down and offered himself for us so that we could live. Despite our flaws and struggles, he has accepted us as friends. He knows his own very well; he is an ever-present beacon of help in times of trouble.  He is Emmanuel, God with us, on top of the mountain and in the valleys. It reminds me of this Bible verse from the book of Hebrews, where Paul reveals his pure nature.

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:15-16

I also keep reminding myself that just because I don't feel God doesn't mean he isn't present. As I said before, he is Emmanuel, an omnipresent God, and as his word promises, he won't leave or forsake us.  If we want to feel his tangible presence every day, we need to be awakened to the reality of his truth, which surpasses our limitations and unbelief. I need to know him and his spoken words. The moment you believe and his light revelation rises above lies, I am one with his truth. 

You might be wondering how I might do that. I believe it isn't complicated, even though I am still learning! They asked the same questions of Jesus! How do we enter the kingdom of God? And Jesus replied, "All you have to do is to believe.