Wonder Bread

by Bob Setzer, Jr.
The wonder of God's provision of manna in the wilderness did not quiet Israel's fears. She continued to be afraid God would leave her in the lurch, somewhere well short of the Promised Land (Exodus 16:19-21).

We read the story and wonder, "How could this be? After God marvelously delivered the Hebrews from Egypt, culminating in the crossing of the sea, how could they doubt their Lord?" And yet throughout Israel's wilderness wanderings, her anxieties, complaining, and desperation continued to mount.

Maybe the problem was Israel was only given manna one day at a time. These days, we call that living "hand to mouth." It is not generally regarded as a desirable way to live. Maybe if God could have cut Israel some slack and allowed just a little something for a rainy day, she might have lightened up.

Then again, maybe not. Turn over to Mark chapter 8. Jesus and his disciples get in a boat to retreat from the crowds. They need some down time after a busy but fruitful couple of weeks. Among other things, Jesus has fed 5,000 hungry folk in chapter 6 and 4,000 more in chapter 8. But despite such outpourings of plenty, the disciples are still worried when they discover they have but one loaf of bread between them (8:14, 17).

Jesus looks at them, at us, his face etched in astonishment: "When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?"

The disciples look at him dully and answer, "Twelve."

"And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?"

Again they count up in their heads and answer, "Seven."

Jesus shakes his head in wonderment and asks, "Do you not yet understand?"

No, Lord, we don't. We're trying but we don't understand, at least not for long. Our fears are large and our faith is fleeting. Even in the face of your abundant mercies, we worry and whimper and plead. It must be hard to love us sometimes. Forgive us all the ways we test your patience and break your heart.

Just don't give up on us. Maybe someday, we will understand. Maybe someday you can count on us as we can count on you. In the meantime, give us this day our daily bread. And take our worries, when that is all we have to offer, and keep turning them into faith. Amen.