So this is somewhat of different kind of “cover article” for the month. I’m putting it out there as more of an introduction for everything else you’ll come across in this June edition of Elisha’s Riddle. Normally, we don’t organize our material by specific themes, yet one came about this month quite “accidentally” around the topic of food. So, with super spiritual topics like Twinkies and Fruity Pebbles ahead of you, I thought an explanation might be helpful…

At the heart and soul of both our biology and cultures is food. Our bodies need it to live and our relationships need it to grow. The dinner table is a holy centering point for our families and outdoor BBQs and restaurants are key connection points for our friendships and extended families. When He told His disciples to celebrate His death and resurrection with wine and bread, Jesus Christ was linking all this together as He set up the cornerstone of His movement. Gathering around the communion table is now at the center of our spiritual lives.

Food in the Scriptures (particularly bread, the staple meal of Bible times) represents that which we receive into our hearts. It has to do with the information and beliefs we digest and process within our minds/souls. If we’re honest, most of us do not eat the “healthiest” in this regard. We settle for junk-food-information that holds minimal nutritional value instead of feasting upon the rich meal provided for us by Christ. (Or we settle for heavy discomforting meals that are focused on our works and what we must do to make life better instead of the fresh and nourishing food of Jesus’s love and provision.)

Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters;

And you who have no money come, buy and eat.

Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.

Why do you spend money for what is not bread,

And your wages for what does not satisfy?

Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,

And delight yourself in abundance.

(Isaiah 55:1-2)

In Elisha’s Riddle, our heart’s desire and prayer is to serve the “abundance” mentioned in this passage. While we often use parables to do this (like when we talk about Twinkies and Fruity Pebbles), at the heart of this is that same invitation to dine upon the realest meal there is.

In this edition, we trust you will come in fresh contact with the Bread of Life. Even if it’s just a moment, one bite can change your spiritual chemistry and re-align you with the truth of God.

So enjoy this month’s edition. Ingest it to your heart’s content.

And, if you have the time, below is a message about the “Bread of His Presence.” I came across it recently and felt it needed to be put onto this month’s menu. It’s a message I preached about 8 years ago. It’s about 40 minutes, but if you have the time, I’m sure it’ll speak to your heart and remind you of the simplicity of eating from finished work of Christ…