“Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread”

By Eddie R. Littrell

On the surface this would seem a simple and straightforward instruction by the Lord. Yet in this part of the Lord's model prayer, Jesus teaches two great principles of which every disciple of the Lord should ever be conscious.

Every Good Gift Is From Above

First, we should realize that bread may come with or without prayer, but the disciple recognizes its source and the constant need to depend on the Father for sustenance. Most likely this petition is patterned in its origin from the manna episodes of the Old Testament. The task of providing food for such a large number of people, espe­cially while in the wilderness, was an enormous one. As the people murmured because of the scarcity of food, Jehovah provided for this necessity. And yet, they were to follow very stringent rules regarding the manna itself. They could only gather that which was necessary for each day. Thus, they learned to depend on God for their most basic needs. Today, bread may stand as typical of all material necessities. Jesus said, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matt. 6:33)

"Daily" offers something of a problem, since it is only used in the references to this occasion in the New Testament and is discovered only on rare occasions in ancient literature. Two main suggestions as to its meaning are offered. One is that it means one's bread for today, as the daily rations of a soldier, slave, or workman. The other is that it means "bread for the morrow". It would seem that the former would be most likely since Jesus also said, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matt. 6:34)

In either case, however, there must be a constant dependence on God, whether the present or coming day. The apostle Paul further emphasizes the point by saying, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Phil. 4:6).

Godliness with Contentment

Second, just as the Israelites were to be content with the portion of manna allotted by God for each day, we are likewise to be content with that which the Lord provides. Too often we are like the rich and prosperous man who felt compelled to "store up" this world's goods in deference to his trust in God. To this action God responded, "'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?"' (Luke 12:20) This well illustrates the end of those who have "pierced themselves through with many sorrows" because they strive only for the wealth of this world. On the other hand, Jesus instructs His disciples to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matt. 6:20) After all, "godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." (1 Tim. 6:6-8) Thus Paul had learned "in whatever state I am, to be content." (Phil. 4:11)

Constancy in Prayer

Prayer to God for the daily necessities should, therefore, be a daily activity on the part of every disciple. "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." (Luke 11:9-10) &

"The Sting of Death is Sin"

By Wendell Ward

Certain simple passages of scripture have a way of escaping our understanding. The story recorded in Numbers 20:1-13 tells us Moses was denied entrance to the Promised Land because of his unbelief at Kadesh. The people complained because of lack of water. God told Moses what to do about the situation but the Bible says that Moses' actions were very displeasing to God.

God told Moses and Aaron, "Therefore because you believed me not to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel , therefore you shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them," verse 12. God in essence told Moses that what he did in this situation was done thru unbelief. "You failed to believe me," He said.

Moses' failure of faith caused him to smite the rock with his staff rather than speak to it. His failure of faith caused him to speak unadvisedly to the people thru anger. His failure of faith caused him not to sanctify God in the eyes of the people. The actions Moses took were performed because he "failed to believe God" in this situation. Moses, it seems, had a temporary failure of faith in God.

Another scripture that escapes the understanding of some is found in 1 Corinthians 15:56. Paul states that, "The sting of death is sin." What does Paul say the sting of death is? Sin. Just saying that all men fear or dread death cannot explain this verse away.

God gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. Just as sure as Christ arose from the grave the third day, we have assurance that we will be raised when he comes again. The great thing about all this is that if we have overcome sin while in this life we will be raised to eternal life in heaven. Death will have no damaging consequences to us if we die in the Lord.

On the other hand, dying outside of Christ and not having overcome sin in this life assures us that death will bring a condemnation of eternal punishment in a lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Friend, that is the sting of death.

Sin's sting, which was brought on by Adam's transgression in the garden, is likened to the bruising of heels. Compare that to bruising Satan's head when Christ arose victoriously over death, Genesis 3:15.

The sting of death is sin. & (Via the Needmore church of Christ , Haleyville , AL )

Barnabas, the Exhorter

By Bob Myhan

Because of intense prejudice between Jews and Gentiles in the first century, there was a need for someone who could gain acceptance by both groups, and encourage them to be reconciled to God, through the Gospel. “Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement),” rose to the occasion.

The name, “Barnabas,” was evidently given him because he encouraged others (Acts 4:36). It is no small wonder, then, that he befriended Saul of Tarsus, when no one else seemed to trust this former persecutor of the church (Acts 9:26-28). Nor is it surprising that, when the church in Jerusalem heard of a great number of conversions in Antioch of Syria, “they sent Barnabas,” who “exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose” (Acts 11:19-23). Apparently seeing a greater need than he alone could fill—and another opportunity to be an encouragement to Saul—he went to Tarsus looking for him. “And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch ,” and together they “taught a great many people” (Acts 11:25-26).

Later, Barnabas and Saul were chosen and sent out by the Holy Spirit on their first missionary journey.

As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." (Acts 13:2)

So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia , and from there they sailed to Cyprus . And when they arrived in Salamis , they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant. (Acts 13:4-5)

Paul was the chief speaker (Acts 14:12) but both were apostles (14:14). Barnabas may have taken the lead on the return trip, as they were:

…strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).

When they discussed a return visit to the areas they had evangelized, Paul and Barnabas disagreed on whether or not to take John Mark (Acts 15:36-38).

So Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus ; but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God (Acts 15:39-40).

Perhaps John Mark just needed encouragement to reach his full potential. It is he to whom the second Gospel is attributed.

Barnabas had his weak moments, to be sure (Gal. 2:11-13). But he was an encouragement to many.

Have you ever lacked the courage to do what you knew to be the Lord’s will, when there was no one there to encourage you? Barnabas would have been there for you! Let’s all try to be like Barnabas! &