The True Bread From Heaven
September 10 Devotional Meditation
By Dr Patrick Elijah Anyomi
Key Text: "Yet he gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens; he rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven." (Psalm 78:23-25)
Devotional Meditation:
This psalm recalls one of the most tender and miraculous moments in Israel's history: God's provision of manna. He "opened the doors of the heavens" and rained down bread from His own domain—"the grain of heaven." This was not a product of the earth; it was a supernatural sustenance for a people He had redeemed, sustaining them daily on their journey through a barren wilderness.
Yet, as wonderful as this was, the Bible itself reveals this was a shadow pointing to a greater reality. Centuries later, Jesus would directly reference this event, saying, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life [zoe] to the world." (John 6:32-33).
The manna was physical bread for physical life (bios), and those who ate it still eventually died. But it was a signpost pointing to God's ultimate provision: His own Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the true and ultimate "grain of heaven." He is the sustenance that comes directly from the Father's presence to nourish our souls and spirits.
The connection for us as believers is profound: The zoe life of God is sustained in us by feasting on Christ. Just as the Israelites had to gather the manna daily, we are invited into a daily communion with Jesus, the True Manna. We partake of Him through His Word, through prayer, and through the Spirit who makes Him real to us.
He is our portion, our sustenance, and our satisfaction on our journey through this world. To feed on Him by faith is to receive the zoe life of God Himself, a life that not only endures forever but transforms us today.
The doors of heaven are still open. God is still commanding His blessing to rain down. But now, it is not a flake of bread; it is the person of His Son, given for the life of the world.
Time of Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your providence. You are the God who opens the doors of heaven to meet the needs of Your children. Thank You for the incredible gift of manna, a testimony to Your faithful care for Israel.
But we thank You most of all for the True Bread, Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You that You did not just give a thing, but You gave Your very Self. Forgive us for when we seek to be satisfied by the stale bread of this world—by achievement, possessions, or approval—while neglecting the rich sustenance found only in Christ.
Lord Jesus, You are the Grain of Heaven. We look to You today to nourish our souls. Feed us by Your Spirit through Your Word. Satisfy the deepest hungers of our hearts. May we daily gather and feast upon You, receiving the eternal life [zoe] and strength that only You can provide.
Make us a people who live not by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from Your mouth. In the name of the Living Bread, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
