The Bread Of Life: Friends Without Bread
Then He said to them, 'Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him;' and from inside he answers and says, 'Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs.'
Luke 11:5-8 (NASB)
Very few things in life are more enjoyable than sharing a meal with loved ones and friends. 'Let us eat and be merry' (Luke 15:23). 'With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you' (Luke 22:15).
After Jesus taught the model prayer, He launched into a story about bread! More specifically, the lack of it. Because a certain man had none to share with an unexpected friend at his door.
So he went to another friend to ask… if he could share an extra loaf of bread. Even though it was late, the bread seeker refused to take ‘not now’ for an answer.
Because the giver snuggled up in bed and refused to rise to the occasion. Yet because of his friend's tenacity, he got up and gave his friend as much bread as he wanted to satisfy his guest.
NOTE: Back in Bible times, Jewish customs of hospitality were rigorous and commonly practiced. Caring for guests was of great importance.
Consider the outcome of the rich man who wouldn’t feed a beggar at his gate.* Ignoring the needs of a visitor (even a beggar) was a grievous sin.
Consider the inconvenient errand the host without bread decided to take, venturing out on behalf of a guest… at a time when most people were sleeping.
Are comfortable Christians sleeping now? Do we ignore the beggars at our gates… knocking on the doors of our busy lives--for the untimely inconvenience of presenting to them the Bread of Life?
The Bread Of Life: Friends Without Bread (Part 7)
* The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+16%3A19-31&version=NKJV
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.