The highlights come when Piper’s pastoral and missional passion is most evident. This has a way of elevating some chapters beyond their mere content and placing the reader in a state of genuine fellowship.
After earthly provision, Christ taught the petition of spiritual restoration. Man is to consider himself from God’s prospective: a sinner working sins (Isa 64:6; Rom 3:23). With this perspective we recognize our need for forgiveness.
These are the types of polarizing questions that I love. Not that I enjoy polarization in general. Surely there are better things to do with ones time. But if you're in the corner, reporting that you're in the corner is hardly wrong. If theology is truly going to be practical, then occasionally our practices will be different. Today's questions most certainly will highlight some of the distinct features of my theology and its application to civil legislation and moral integrity.
Though certainly material and physical, this pray is also a reflection of our need for Jesus Christ. He is the true bread of life (John 6:35, 48). He is the new manna that God gives us daily to satisfy our eternal life (John 6:30-33, 49-51).
It is important to remember that God gave the bread as a test (Exo 16:4). People were only supposed to take exactly what they needed (Exo 16:16). At the same time, none was supposed to be left on the ground (Exo 16:19). Both of these can be true because God always meets our needs in His provision.
Shortly after the exodus of Egypt, the people of Israel were provided daily bread by God. This bread, manna, fell every day onto the ground for the people to collect. While God provided the bread, the people were responsible to collect it each and every day (Exo 16:4).
We know that God is gracious to give. But God has also promised to give perpetual. Every day is “today”. And each and every day we are to pray to God for the means of provision for that day. Though these provisions are usually physical, Jesus taught us that the true essentials of life are spiritual (Matt 6:25).
After making the glory of God this prayer’s primary importance, we are now led into supplication. Give is not a demand or a command. Give is the manner in which servants speak to their master. Our God is a gracious God and we are owed nothing.