The Bread of His Presence

And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway. – Exodus 25:30 (KJV)

The Old Testament describes a sacred ritual involving the “bread of the Presence.” This bread, also known as showbread, was placed on a golden table within the Tabernacle’s Holy Place, symbolizing God’s constant presence among His people. Every Sabbath, fresh loaves were set out, and the priests consumed the previous week’s bread in a holy place.

This seemingly simple act held profound spiritual significance. The bread represented God’s provision and sustenance for His people. It was a tangible reminder of His covenant with them, His promise to always be with them, to nourish and sustain them both physically and spiritually.

In the New Testament, Jesus declares Himself the “bread of life” (John 6:35). He is the true sustenance, the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment. Just as the Israelites relied on the bread of the Presence, we are to rely on Jesus for our spiritual well-being. He offers us Himself, His body broken and His blood shed for our salvation. Through faith in Him, we receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

The bread of the Presence also points to the importance of communion with God. Just as the priests regularly partook of the bread in a holy place, we are called to spend time in God’s presence, to commune with Him through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. In these moments of intimate fellowship, we are nourished and strengthened for the journey ahead.

Reflection:

• How can you make time for God’s presence in your daily life?
• In what ways do you need to rely more fully on Jesus, the true bread of life?
  Prayer:
  Lord Jesus, thank You for being the bread of life. Fill me with Your presence and nourish my soul. Help me to abide in You and draw strength from Your unending love. Amen.
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  Further Reading:
• Leviticus 24:5-9
• John 6:35-58
• 1 Corinthians 10:16-17