Our Daily Bread

Matthew 3:4 – And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. (KJV)

Luke 15:16 – And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. (KJV)

Over the past several years, I have enjoyed reading books about plants of the Bible. There are so many interesting stories about biblical plants, but often there are many controversies, as well, regarding the exact plant referred to in a particular verse of Scripture. Whatever the story might be, it always amazes me to learn that many of these plants have been growing for thousands of years.

Last night, as I closed the windows in my sunroom, I heard the throbbing sound of the locusts in the trees. It was a monotonous and somewhat irritating noise, and it started me thinking about one of the more interesting controversies regarding a biblical plant: the carob (or locust) tree. Botanists seem to be in agreement that the pods of the carob tree were the "husks" of Jesus' Parable of the Prodigal Son, but what did John the Baptist eat? Was it insects, or did he pluck pods from the locust tree? What exactly was St. John's bread? Evidence is available to support both the plant and insect theories, but no clear conclusion has been drawn.

As I listened to the night sounds of the locusts, and felt the pulsing rhythm as if it were a human heartbeat, I wondered what our Lord provided as John's bread, but, somehow, at that moment, it seemed irrelevant. The "singing" locusts were reminding us that, for thousands of years, God has been providing our daily bread, and we can rejoice in His steadfast love.

Ezekiel 34:11 – For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. (KJV)

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for touching us with the sights and sounds of Your presence, and with the blessed assurance that You will always be there to provide for our needs. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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