_LIFE AS BREAD_
MARK viii. 10-21.
It is gracious to know that my Lord is "the Bread of Life," and that I can
feed on Him. It is fearful to know that I, too, am bread, and that others
are feeding on me. Am I the nutriment of vice or the sustenance of virtue?
Am I an evil leaven, like the Pharisees, or a holy leaven like the Lord?
When little children feed on my presence do they grow in strength and
beauty? Or do they become relaxed and demoralized? Who will feed upon me
to-day, and what will be the end of it?
If I would have my life to be as hallowed and hallowing leaven I must
regularly feed upon the Bread of Life. If I am sustained by the Lord, I
too shall be a sustainer of all who aspire after a true and holy life. My
very character will itself become heavenly bread, and men will be
nourished by it even when I am unconscious of the ministry. When they have
spent a brief hour in my company they will go away refreshed.
"Lord, evermore give us this bread!" So feed us with Thyself that we may
share Thy nature. Let "virtue" go forth from us, and let it be as holy
bread to all who are heavy-laden, and ready to faint.