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God can sometimes seem so distant. Remote. Removed from the intricate details of our daily lives.
BUT HE’S NOT. As you will discover by listening to this PODCAST.
God is closer to you than you can possibly imagine.
Matthew 6:9-11 (NKJV)
9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
OK, here’s a pop quiz for you. When Jesus wanted to convey to the people He loved in the single most culturally-emphatic way, just how close God is to YOU, what image did Jesus invoke?
You, my friend, are in for quite a surprise.
God made it quite clear that He is not distant or unapproachable. He actually emphasizes this twice. Firstly by using the word “Father” in the second word. Now, in our culture, the word “father” may seem cold and overly formal. But, when Jesus spoke, he actually used a word that communicated intimacy and closeness – a protector, provider and upholder – in an eternal “Father”. Then, in asking God to give us our daily bread, He is shown as an active, unconditional provider, sustainer and companion who works in our lives every day.
You see, the concept of “daily bread” goes back centuries upon centuries for God’s people. All the way back in the book of Exodus, God tells Moses that he will provide daily bread to the Israelites to remind them that He is faithful – even through their 40 years of wandering – and that He is a God who lovingly provides for them each and every day.
But the most important point in regards to “Give us our daily bread” is revealed in the fact that the word “bread” is used over 300 times in the Bible. Dating back to the “breaking of bread” between Abraham and Melchizedek, an unbreakable covenant relationship was created and set a standard for bread symbolizing so much more than merely food.
You see, each time Jesus referred to bread – even including calling Himself the “bread of life” – He did so not just in providing food, but reminding the people around Him that He is the conduit of God’s covenant to those who believe and love Him. He established an unconditional relationship of love like no other by breaking bread with Jews and Gentiles alike.
You see, when Jesus said, “Pray like this… give us this day our daily bread”, those around Him understood that He meant so much more than merely providing food. He was referring to God’s desire to daily affirm His unbreakable bond with His people. Daily bread is a daily reminder of God’s security, love, loyalty and commitment to each of us as individuals.
To learn more about Dewey’s ministry, visit DeweyBertolini.com