On one of Renee’s and my trips to Israel, we were walking through Jerusalem with a Jewish friend of ours. As we walked, he shared a beautiful and true story—one that has stayed with me ever since.
The story went like this.
Samuel was a young man serving in the Israeli Defense Forces. During his service, he became close friends with another soldier named Ahuv. One day, Ahuv invited Samuel to spend a weekend at his parents’ home. They had two days off, and Ahuv’s family lived in the beautiful city of Safed, Israel.
Samuel gratefully accepted the invitation. As the weekend approached, he imagined late nights, going out, and having fun. But when they arrived, Samuel quickly realized this visit would be different. Ahuv explained that they would be staying home to observe Shabbat—the Jewish Sabbath.
Samuel saw Shabbat as a day full of religious restrictions. Ahuv, however, saw it as a precious gift from God—a holy day set apart to rest, worship, and enjoy time with family while celebrating their love for the Lord.
Early the next morning—before sunrise—Ahuv woke Samuel and told him to get dressed quickly. “We’re going somewhere,” he said. They left on foot without eating. As they walked, Samuel repeatedly asked where they were going, but Ahuv only replied, “Be patient. You’ll see.”
The darkness of night was slowly giving way to the faint light of dawn. After walking nearly two miles, Samuel noticed something remarkable—the unmistakable aroma of fresh bread baking. The smell was rich, warm, and inviting. Still curious, Samuel pressed for answers, but Ahuv simply said, “Follow me.”
Just as the sun began to rise over the horizon, they came upon a small home. Outside stood a little elderly woman beside a simple table. On that table rested a freshly baked loaf of bread, steam still rising from it. The fragrance was overwhelming—almost as if the smell itself could be tasted.
The woman stood quietly, gazing upward, her attention fixed somewhere between the sky and the rising sun. Samuel and Ahuv watched from a distance. Two minutes after the sun had fully risen, she turned, walked into her home, and gently closed the door—leaving the bread behind.
Ahuv then led Samuel toward the table and reached for the loaf.
Samuel whispered urgently, “What are you doing, Ahuv? Why are you taking her bread?”
Ahuv answered calmly, “I am taking it because she has left it here for anyone to take. She does this every morning. Each night, she bakes bread for the Messiah, in case He comes during the night. She wants to greet Him with fresh bread. When He has not come by sunrise, she leaves it for whoever needs it.”
As they began their walk back home, they shared the bread. It tasted less like ordinary food and more like a delicacy. For the first mile, all they talked about was how wonderful it was. Then their conversation shifted—to the woman’s deep love, devotion, and longing for the Messiah.
Ahuv admired her faith deeply. Samuel had never witnessed such pure expectation and devotion to the Lord. He told Ahuv that this was a Sabbath he would never forget.
Although I have changed the names, this is a true story.
When I first heard it, I couldn’t help but think about that woman’s waiting—and her beautiful expression of love for the Messiah. I know the Messiah—Jesus—and I’m sure you do as well. Yet like so many things in life, it is easy to take His love for granted and fail to fully appreciate the depth of His love—the love that led Him to lay down His life for ours.
One day, we will fully understand that His sacrifice was the greatest act of love in all of human history.
This story stirred my heart. It challenged me to find my own ways to express gratitude and love for Jesus as I wait for His second coming—not out of obligation, but out of appreciation and a thankful heart. Effort is what makes love tangible. It is what deepens affection and stirs the emotions we long to feel. And in Christ, we are free—and encouraged—to express that love 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.”
