The House of Bread
Self-preservation is the most powerful of human motivations. Water and food are essential ingredients to survive. Where there is no bread, there is starvation. Several times, in the history of Israel, when there was famine in the land, the children of Israel immigrated to neighboring nations in search of bread. This was the case with Elimelech and his wife Naomi. Israel was experiencing a drought and there was little to eat in their hometown of Bethlehem. In search of a better life, they moved with their two sons to Moab. Though Moab provided for their immediate needs, they lost what was most important. Elimelech died in Moab as did his two sons, leaving Naomi widowed and distressed. In her anguish, she could only think of going back to her home in Bethlehem. Bethlehem, means ‘House of Bread’, and it was there she needed to return.
Bethlehem was more than just a place to sustain her physical life, it was her family, her identity and her roots. Like the prodigal son, she was going back home. Her Moabite daughter-in-law also wanted to accompany her back to Israel. Ruth had decided to make Naomi’s God her God and her people, her people. Going back to the “House of Bread” was a new beginning for Ruth, and it was in Bethlehem that her life was truly blessed. It was here that she married Boaz and became the grandmother of David, the King of Israel. It is no surprise that years later Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, as heir to the throne of King David, bringing the spotlight of history on this little village, as the place where the “Bread of Heaven” would come down.
There is a big difference between felt needs and real needs. Felt needs, such as having friends, adventure, entertainment, comfort and pleasure, are what causes many to wander around in search of self-fulfillment. Felt needs are like anesthesia, which covers the pain for a time, but does not resolve the problem. Real needs are what really satisfies, such as eternal life, forgiveness and restoration with God. Jesus said: “I am the bread of life, he who comes to Me will not hunger and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” (John 6.35) To the woman at the well in Samaria He said: “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; but the water that I give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” (John 4.14) Jesus came to satisfy real needs; to fill our emptiness and to heal our broken heart.
The other day I was talking to my uncle about an experience he had while in the hospital. He had injured his back and was in traction and could not move his head from side to side. He heard someone come into the room, but couldn’t see who it was. All he heard was a voice saying: “Most people have never experienced the joy of forgiveness.” He never knew who this person was, or if it was an angel or the Lord Himself, but the message deeply moved him. Now, at the age of 91, he continues to ask those he meets if they have experienced the joy of forgiveness. This is the real need of all of mankind. This is the bread that really fills the emptiness of one’s soul.
If you have been seeking bread in other places, it is time to return to Bethlehem, the house of bread. It is time to feast once again at the Lord’s table. It is time to experience the joy of forgiveness and blessings of fellowship with the Lord. The prophet Isaiah asks the question: “Why do you spend money for what is not bread…for what does not satisfy…” (Is. 55.2) How will you respond? Come to the Lord. Come to the House of Bread.
Scriptures to meditate on:
Ruth 1.1-6; Mat. 4.4; 5.6; Is. 55.1-2; Ex. 25.30; I Cor. 11.24; John 6.35