The concept of following a breadcrumb path, a la Hansel and Gretel, is something we see in Scripture. The Bible is brimming with word pictures. The words BREAD and PATH paint a beautiful picture of God’s leading.
Bread appears as manna in the wilderness, The Bread of His Presence in the tabernacle and in the sacrificial grain offering. We refer to Jesus as the Bread of Life. In the taking of communion, the bread reminds us of His body, given for us.
Our path signifies His plan and direction for our lives. It symbolizes increasing spiritual enlightenment as we continue to follow it. Described as narrow, it becomes navigable for the righteous only as God increases the brightness and encourages us with the breadcrumbs of His presence, provision, comfort, and guidance along the way. The Robert Frost poem, “The Road Not Taken,” describes the choice of paths. The poem says,“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” God’s plan is sometimes not the popular, easier path but it is the best one.
We hope to be like the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 who wanted deliverance for her child. She knew that even a crumb of His presence would transform the situation. We, as the covenant people of God, need not settle for crumbs but can be recipients of His endless generosity. Our portion is more than enough.
Jeremiah 6:16 says “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Nan Robertson
~Christ Fellowship