Fresh Mannaby Pastor Tim BurtOn one of Renee and my trips to Israel, we were walking through Jerusalem with a Jewish man who was a friend of ours. As we walked, he began to tell us this beautiful true story. It went like this...Samuel was a young man serving in the Israeli Defense Forces. He had made a good friend in the IDF named Ahuv, who enjoyed hanging out with him. One day, Ahuv said to Samuel, Come and stay the weekend in my parent’s home with me. They had two days off, and Ahuv's home was in the beautiful city of Safed, Israel. Samuel thanked him and accepted the offer. The weekend came, and they went to Ahuv's home. Samuel didn't know what to expect, but he was hoping that they would go out clubbing and have fun. Instead, Ahuv told him they would stay home and celebrate Shabbat—the Jewish Sabbath. Samuel saw this as a time of religious restrictions, while Ahuv saw this day as a precious gift from God and a time to spend with family members celebrating their love for God.The next morning, Ahuv woke up Samuel very early before sunrise and told him to hurry up and get dressed as he was taking him somewhere. They left hurriedly without eating and on foot.
Samuel kept asking where they were going, but Ahuv would only say, You’ll see, be patient. The sun had not risen yet, although the blackness of the night was giving way to a lighter morning sky. After walking for about two miles, they could both begin to smell the most wonderful smell of fresh bread cooking. Samuel was so curious as to where they were going, but Ahuv would only say, Follow me.
Just as the sun was breaking through the horizon, they came upon a small home where a little old woman was standing out front next to a table. Upon that table was fresh-baked bread, with the heat still rising from it. The smell was so wonderful; it in itself seemed almost edible. The little old lady was looking up, her focus seeming to be somewhere between the sky and the sun rising. They both stood at a distance and watched her.Two minutes after the sun had risen, she walked into her home and shut the door, leaving the bread outside on the table. Ahuv led Samuel to the table to pick up the loaf of bread. What are you doing, Ahuv? Why are you taking her bread? I am taking it because she has left it here for the taking. She does this every morning. She makes bread each night for the Messiah in case He would come in the night. She wants to greet the Messiah with her fresh-baked bread. When He has not come at sunrise, she leaves the bread for whoever wants it.
As they started the journey back home, they began to eat what tasted more like a delicacy than just bread. The bread was so wonderful; it's all they talked about for the first mile. Then it drifted over to this woman’s incredible love and yearning for the Messiah. Ahuv loved that about her. Samuel had never experienced such love and dedication to the Lord. He told Ahuv it was a Sabbath he would never forget.Although I have changed the names, this is a true story! When I heard it, I also couldn't help but think about this woman’s waiting and expression of love for the Messiah! I know the Messiah—Jesus, as I am sure you do also. Like anything in life, it's too easy to take Jesus' love for granted and not appreciate the depth of His love that led Him to sacrifice His life for ours. One day, we will fully understand that this was the greatest act of love in all human history!This story stirred me to find my own ways to express my thanks to Jesus as I await His second coming. If I did this, not out of some new obligation but from appreciation and a thankful heart, it would help me grow in a greater and more tangible love for Him each day. Effort is what makes love so real and what stirs the emotions of love we want to feel. And we have that liberty in Christ and are encouraged to do that very thing daily.I am stirred today! I love you, Lord! You are the greatest part of my life, and I will sing of your love forever!Luke 21:27-28 (NIV) “At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." In His love,Pastor Tim Burt
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