# 111 Maybe the Best Diet Of All

 

# 111 Maybe the Best Diet Of All

 

Joh 6:11 And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost." 13 Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.

 

I read this, and I wonder, “are we a bit too casual about giving thanks for our food in this land of plenty?” When Jesus gave thanks for food, it apparently was always a memorable occasion!

 

Here at the feeding of the 5000. Later at the feeding of the 4000, and of course the time that He paused to bless the food at the Last Supper and give thanks for the wine. It was special!

 

So special that after His resurrection as He walked and talked with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, they didn’t recognize Him until He sat at table with them, took bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him (Luke 24:31)

 

When Jesus gave thanks for food, He made an impact on those who ate with Him. Too often, we mumble a few words rotely, and dig in. Understand that the Jews regarded bread as a gift from God and it was required that what fell on the ground during a meal, had to be picked up.

 

Jesus had no problem with that custom as He asks the disciples to gather up the fragments. Bread was precious to Jesus. It was something to be deeply thankful for, and it certainly wasn’t to be wasted. I’m ashamed to think of how much food I toss into the garbage can every single day, and how flippant and casual my table prayers can become as I sit before a table that is filled to overflowing with the goodness of God!

 

Several years ago, a survey was released that showed the majority of Christians are overweight. Maybe if we would adopt the attitude of Jesus toward food, that is, a deep appreciation for where it comes from, we would be less apt to gorge ourselves, crassly throwing out the leftovers and then tossing fat-laden snacks down our gullets while we wait for the next meal. Maybe, giving true thanks would be the best diet of all.