MUCH anxiety surrounds food, even in societies like ours, where food is plentiful and starvation is rare. There are regular food scares, sugars and fats are frequently seen as suspect, adverse to health. Various bacteria hit the headlines and medical conditions such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia affect thousands of people. Food, essential for life and meant to be enjoyed, can become a threat, causing discomfort, even ill-health. Where food is scarce, finding enough of anything becomes an over-riding responsibility. In the scriptures food has rich associations. From the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, where food symbolised wisdom and temptation, to manna in the desert, where it symbolised God’s provision for his people. The Passover mean was a vivid commemoration of rescue from slavery. The Maccabees’ refusal to eat the flesh of the pig signified their faithfulness to the Law, even in the face of death. In the New Testament, Jesus is frequently shown eating. Having a meal with Martha and Mary, relaxing with friends. Eating with Zacchaeus, Jesus demonstrates his regard for people often overlooked. Dining with tax collectors and sinners is a statement of who the Son of Man came to save. In the miracles of the loaves and the fishes, food is a sign of blessing and abundance. The presence of Jesus is a blessing in more ways than one. Where people are anxious, Jesus brings reassurance. Where they are confused, he brings enlightenment. Where they are sick, he brings healing and where they are hungry, he brings bread. When anxious, hungry and in any kind of need, we remember how the Lord provides and how we, too, should provide for others in his name. | 
