In the first Insight ‘Seeds of Deceit and Righteousness’ we concentrated on the seeds that produced fruit. In this second insight I want us to think about ‘Seeds that produce Bread.’ In both cases the seeds that produce wine and bread have to go through their own fermentation process that acts as a catalyst for change producing a fruity bottle of wine and a tasty loaf of bread.
Making Bread
I love to make bread, primarily using my bread maker and in one of my special recipes I include country grain flour that combines with water, oil, salt and sugar. One very important ingredient is yeast that acts as a rising agent and if it is left out, which occasionally has happened, it results in an unleavened mess! In the bible there are many different types of bread such as manna, unleavened and leavened showbread.
In Matthew 13: 33 Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven is like leaven (yeast) which a woman formed it into three measures till all of it was leavened, sufficient to feed a large family. In Jewish ceremonies used for the preparation for Passover, all scraps of leaven had to be burnt and destroyed as it was associated with being evil. When Jesus compared the Kingdom of Heaven to leaven those listening to him would have been quite shocked. The message of Jesus is a game changer as illustrated in the transforming power of leaven which is intensive and extensive affecting the whole of society.
Spiritual Nourishment
In John 6: 22 – 51 Jesus engages with his followers at Capernaum and felt that those who followed him were more concerned about physical food rather than partaking in any spiritual sustenance. Many had witnessed the miraculous provision of the loaves and fishes and were hungry for more bread and fish! They felt that it was Moses who had provided the manna in the wilderness but Jesus corrected such thinking by reminding them that it wasn’t Moses who produced the manna it was, and always is, God who provides physical food for us to eat.
Jesus went on to declare that he was the true bread of life and if anyone ate from that bread they would live forever and never be hungry and thirsty again finding a renewed health and strength both physically and spiritually.
Resurrection Body
Paul in 1 Corinthians 15: 35 answers a question about what a resurrected body might consist of. He refers to the example of a seed in the ground that has to die before growing into a new form. God gives the seed a body, chosen especially for it, to fulfil a desired purpose. Paul from verse 38, says that such a process is similar to our earthly and heavenly bodies. They both have their own unique purpose and existence just as the sun, moon and stars are different and what is sown on earth is perishable, what is raised is imperishable.
Bread and Wine
When we partake in the sacrament of Holy Communion it involves the drinking of a fruit of the vine (wine) and leavened or unleavened bread. From seeds of deceit we remember the redeeming work of Christ and it is through his blood (wine) and body (bread) that we receive seeds of righteousness.
In the coming months we will experience warmer weather and lighter days and rejoice in food that continues to arrive at our table to eat, albeit at an increased cost. May we continue to be disciplined in our diets to maintain a healthy life style?
May we be constantly reminded as we share in the bread and wine that it represents the atoning work of Christ for spiritual renewal and restoration that will bring earthly joy, peace and an everlasting presence with God to come?
Questions to consider
- Think about how yeast acts as a ‘catalyst/agent for change.’ What areas in your life are required to ensure that you are able to navigate changes that you are facing today?
- How easy is it to think and believe that all our daily provisions are the result of human labour? How can we witness and share with people that all that we have is from the hand and source of God?
- There are many seeds that produce different types of plants for specific purposes. How do you think our earthly lives will translate into heavenly bodies?
- As we celebrate Holy Communion, through the bread and the wine, how can we ensure that those seeds of deceit are transformed into seeds of righteousness?
Explore to Inspire 