People are hungry. But hunger is not just physical. When we go out with food to share, our prayer is to be equipped and alert to meet more than physical needs.
Recently we were out distributing dinner (blessed to have church’s surplus to share with others). After receiving a clamshell of food, one particular older gentleman began to thank us. But really, we’re only vessels passing along a gift. The churches who share the food are vessels, too, passing along a gift. Ultimately, the real gift giver is the Lord. He provides even this supper. A grin broke across the man’s face as he lifted his clamshell. “This is the Lord’s supper?” Well, yes.
When Jesus broke bread and gave it to His disciples at the last supper, He said, “This is My body, broken for you.” He was indicating the sacrifice of suffering and death which He was about to offer for their sakes. For our sake. What a wonder! The last supper was a spiritual reality more than a physical meal.
Hunger is not just physical. People are hungry for hope, for love, for acceptance. Food is a love language for those matters of the heart. May our friends see Jesus, His love, in the gifts of food we bring. May their eyes be opened to see Him in the breaking of the bread! The Lord satisfies the hungry heart.
Luke 24:30-31, Jesus appears to the disciples after His resurrection: “When Jesus had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him…”