Man Does Not Live on Bread Alone
In Matthew 4 we read about Jesus being led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Jesus had been fasting for forty days and forty nights when the enemy came and challenged Him to turn the stones there with them into bread. Jesus responded by saying, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).
The NIV Study Bible points out that "just as God gave the Israelites manna in a supernatural way, so also man must rely on God for spiritual feeding. Jesus relied on his Father, not on his own miracle power, for provision of food."
This study note, made me think about the current state of jobs and finances among family, friends and ourselves. I think sometimes we put our trust in our physical jobs for our "daily bread" instead of in Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider. When we receive a pay cut in those jobs or even lose them completely, we can become anxious and feel hopeless.
Warren Wiersbe writes that "when we put our physical needs ahead of our spiritual needs, we sin. When we allow circumstances to dictate our actions, instead of following God's will, we sin. Jesus could have turned the stones into bread, but He would have been exercising his powers independently of the Father, and He came to obey the Father (John 5:30; 6:38). The Lord quoted Deuteronomy 8:3 to defeat Satan. Feeding on and obeying God's Word is more important than consuming physical food. In fact, it is our food (John 4:32-34).
As Christians, we are to look to Jesus and God's Word as our example in how to live. Even the Savior did not rely on Himself for provision, but on God the Father. When we trust that God will provide for our daily needs, then we can have rest and peace.
This may sound like a pat answer to today's troubles; but I have personally seen God work in our own family through a time of financial crisis. God was faithful to provide for us in ways beyond our small income. It was a lesson in trusting God to be faithful to His promises as well as to be on the look-out for ways to physically help those who may be experiencing meager circumstances when we are the ones with more.
When facing financial struggles, be good stewards of what God has provided, no matter how much or little; be thankful for what you have, however simple and small; and trust that all your needs will be met. God is good and you are loved.
The NIV Study Bible points out that "just as God gave the Israelites manna in a supernatural way, so also man must rely on God for spiritual feeding. Jesus relied on his Father, not on his own miracle power, for provision of food."
This study note, made me think about the current state of jobs and finances among family, friends and ourselves. I think sometimes we put our trust in our physical jobs for our "daily bread" instead of in Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider. When we receive a pay cut in those jobs or even lose them completely, we can become anxious and feel hopeless.
Warren Wiersbe writes that "when we put our physical needs ahead of our spiritual needs, we sin. When we allow circumstances to dictate our actions, instead of following God's will, we sin. Jesus could have turned the stones into bread, but He would have been exercising his powers independently of the Father, and He came to obey the Father (John 5:30; 6:38). The Lord quoted Deuteronomy 8:3 to defeat Satan. Feeding on and obeying God's Word is more important than consuming physical food. In fact, it is our food (John 4:32-34).
As Christians, we are to look to Jesus and God's Word as our example in how to live. Even the Savior did not rely on Himself for provision, but on God the Father. When we trust that God will provide for our daily needs, then we can have rest and peace.
This may sound like a pat answer to today's troubles; but I have personally seen God work in our own family through a time of financial crisis. God was faithful to provide for us in ways beyond our small income. It was a lesson in trusting God to be faithful to His promises as well as to be on the look-out for ways to physically help those who may be experiencing meager circumstances when we are the ones with more.
When facing financial struggles, be good stewards of what God has provided, no matter how much or little; be thankful for what you have, however simple and small; and trust that all your needs will be met. God is good and you are loved.
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