“Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:9-13
One of our biggest temptations is to fear lack; that we will not have sufficient of what we need, or think we need. Yet, even under the Tanakh, Yehovah covenanted to bless and supply all His people needed. Yehovah blessed Abraham, saying that that blessing would also make him a blessing to others. The covenant included the generations which followed him. In fact, Galatians 3:13-14 says the blessing of Abraham transfers ‘downstream’, even to the Gentiles who have faith in Yeshua. In Psalm 37:25, Abraham’s descendant, David, said, “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his (offspring) begging bread.” Indeed, he then adds, “…the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” In recent years there has been controversy at the concept of Yeshua’s followers being prosperous, and yet, throughout the Scriptures, Yehovah promises prosperity to His children. (See Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:1-3 & 68:19 and 3 John 2). The very word “prosper” means to thrive, succeed, flourish. We could even interpret it as: ‘having enough of Yehovah’s supply to accomplish Yehovah’s instructions, with enough left over to bless others.’ Here we would be wise to consider what Yeshua said to the rich, young ruler who asked what he must do to have eternal life. (see Matthew 19:16-22). Yeshua told him to sell all he had and give to the poor, and then to follow Him. He went away sorrowful because he had many possessions. We know then that prosperity, kept for our own benefit will actually be more detrimental than beneficial to us, spiritually speaking. Paul’s epistles counsel us to be content with what we have – and to also give liberally to those in need, to those preaching the Word of Yehovah, etc. In Philippians 4:19 Paul commends those who gave materially into his ministry, promising them that Yehovah would supply all they needed ‘according to His riches in glory’, which, indeed, are so much more than being merely adequate. Putting all of this into perspective, it is wise for us to remember that Yeshua told us to ‘seek FIRST the Kingdom of Yehovah and His righteousness, and all these things will (then) be added unto you.’ Seek Him and His Kingdom above all else and He will ensure you have not only your daily bread – but all you need throughout every area of your life.