One person had a big personal shrine, which was popular and was open to the public. As it is near an educational institution, students come there, especially during their exams. Now, he had become rich and was respected as a godman in the community. His story was that he was poor and unable to afford a school education. He observed that people are superstitious and could believe anything. So, he created a god who could bless the students and installed and started being the first devotee. Within a few months, the shrine became famous, he built a larger structure. I have made bread out of stone. Is it not a miracle?
Bread from stone: The Lord Jesus Christ refused to make bread out of stone after his forty days of fasting. Instead, he rebuked Satan: “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the God.” (Matthew 4:3-4) The temptation is there for all humanity to have bread, without God and neglecting the Word of God.
Bread – Essential: Bread or food is one of the basic needs of humanity. No human could survive without food, even for a few weeks. However, food cannot become god, and cannot give meaning and purpose to life. Many poor experience hunger due to bad governments, disasters, wars, and foolishness of individuals.
Bread – gift and reward: The Lord Jesus Christ taught his disciples to pray: Give us this day our daily bread. (Matthew 6:11) The ultimate provider of food for the whole world is God. Because He created the earth, the plants, and grains, sends sunshine and rain to make them sprout, grow, and multiply. God rewards those who labor, especially those who toil in farming. (Proverbs 12:11)
Bread – Idle: Those who work hard and are virtuous will not eat the bread of idleness. (Proverbs 31:27) Paul also gives the life principle: Those who do not work, should not eat. (II Thessalonians 3:10-13) Like eating, and sleeping are essential activities of a human, so is work.
Do I trust the Bread of Life (John 6:35) for all my spiritual and other needs?