Matthew 6:11 – Give us today our daily bread. (NIV)

Every day around 10:30 a.m., the bread man used to arrive in our street. He drove a large van that had a walk-in counter at the back. He tooted his horn twice, and everyone in our street knew that he had arrived. During the summer, when I was on holiday from school, my mom usually gave me a note, written on the corner of an old envelope, with our order: one plain loaf and a packet of potato scones.

As I entered the baker's van, I could smell the beautiful aroma of freshly baked bread, sugared donuts, and buttered scones. The shelves were full of different breads and cakes, as well as various candies and chocolates. It looked absolutely heavenly to me, and I often wished that my parents had the money to buy the whole van.

The baker was a tall, bearded man with a cheery smile. He took my mom's list and placed the goods on the counter. He knew that we didn't have much money, but he always treated us as if we were the most important customers on his route. He asked how my mom was doing, and then he checked our items in his credit book. We always settled up at the end of the week when my father was paid.

On Saturday mornings, I would take another list, on the corner of an old envelope, with the money that we owed the baker. I felt important as I handed him over the money and received the change. He would hand me the plain loaf and potato scones, and then he would smile as he added in a few donuts to the package. This was Saturday, when our family had money!

Sometimes, when I'm praying the Lord's Prayer, I remember those days of the Scottish baker when I say the words "Give us today our daily bread." It reminds me that God's grace is something that we all get on credit. At the end of our lives, we can never repay what we owe to God. Christ then steps in to pay the ransom for our souls. And just when we think that would be enough, He adds something sweeter to the whole divine package: everlasting life.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your love and grace through which our lives are truly blessed. We depend upon You each day to guide and lead us, comfort and sustain us. You are our daily bread and the bread of eternal life. Thank You, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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