A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the larnpstand, the table and the consecrated bread. Hebrews 9:2

In the outer room of the tabernacle, two things could be found. A larnpstand with a light that burned continuously, and a table with the showbread on it. The tabernacle was windowless, therefore very dark. The only way a priest could find his way to the table with the showbread was with the light the candles provided. Light and bread were connected.

They still are. Nothing has changed. The Bread of Life can only be found today when the Light of the World shows me the way. I live in darkness. There are no windows to eternal life. I’ve been left wanting, aching, and longing for meaning beyond what’s here. My soul is hungry but my eyes are blinded and unable to recognize the bread that will satisfy my hunger. I won’t see Jesus for who he is until there’s illumination. I won’t be attracted to spiritual food until he shows me that he is what I’ve been seeking. The Bread of Life will not appear palatable unless the lamplight of his Spirit reveals it as the banquet it is.

After all, Jesus was a suffering servant. He was continually misunderstood. He preached humility and repentance. He commanded his followers to forgive, seventy times seven times. He encouraged his friends to love their enemies. Such spiritual food would appear to taste sour. I might even think I had stumbled onto the wrong meal. Until divine light shines on the showbread, I will not dare to partake. Ah, but when my eyes can finally see, I behold delicacies that are not of this world.

I am hungry for you, Jesus. Illumine my spiritual meal for today. Amen.