Lent 2022 - What’s in a Name?

Living Bread ~ Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35 

                                                                                      

During this season of reflections and renewal, join me in exploring the Bread of Life. When we encounter Jesus Christ, this Living Bread feeds, satisfies, and transforms us. Come on this journey and remember this True Bread “is broken for you”. ~ Donna Oswalt

“…But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.”…This One will be our peace.    Micah 5:2-5 NASB

The prophet Micah brings a message of judgement to the Israelites of the southern kingdom, a people actively pursuing evil activities. Along with his contemporary Hosea, the message moves from doom to hope. From the land of King David, the Messiah, the Anointed One, will come. “This One will be our peace.” Some 700 years later, Jesus enters the world as tiny baby born in a stable in Bethlehem, five miles south of Jerusalem. Bethlehem in Hebrew means “house of bread”.  

Jesus, Greek form of the Hebrew Yeshua, means “Yahweh is salvation”. Yahweh means “He who is” or “I AM”. Jesus tells the people, “I AM the Bread of Life.” Jesus Christ bears the name of God as He enters Jerusalem, the City of Peace, as the One who will bring salvation to humanity. Passover crowds, anything but worthy, flood Jerusalem, anything but peaceful. Jesus enters the Temple, desecrated by moneychangers and merchants, and declares, “MY HOUSE SHALL BE A HOUSE OF PRAYER!” The Chosen One teaches inside the temple, while the plot to kill Him grows. 

Lord, these ancient Greek and Hebrew words overflow with rich meanings. Prophecies fulfilled reveal Your plan for redemption. Living Bread is born in the ‘house of bread’ mere miles south of where the Prince of Peace fulfills Your plan in the ‘City of Peace’. Sometimes, I fail to recognize the sign posts You give or the miracles that reveal Your goodness; I don’t speak the holy words of prayer or choose the opportunities You offer that bring me into Your presence. “Lord, always give us this bread”; help me eat and taste and know the fullness of You! – dho

Focus Point: Jesus, Greek form of the Hebrew Yeshua, means “Yahweh is salvation”.

All rights reserved; copyright 2016 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat