People without a smattering of Yiddish vocabulary may still be familiar with chutzpah. It is that sense of confidence, generally in one’s self, bordering on arrogance. But, like many Yiddish words, finding a translation into English that brings the full flavor of meaning is elusive.
Jesus had just responded to the disciples’ request to teach them to pray by giving them the example you know as the Lord’s Prayer. He follows it with a teaching parable. During His time on Earth, hospitality was an important part of life. One had always to be prepared in the event guests arrived, as it would dishonor them not to have needed provisions. In the parable, an unexpected traveler shows up late at night. Much to the embarrassment of the host, he was out of bread. One might go to a neighbor during the day, but imposing on a neighbor for bread in the middle of the night took chutzpah. The neighbor, as might be expected, was annoyed and reluctant to get out of bed and help his friend. But the Bible says because of the “impudence” of the host, the neighbor got up and provided what he needed.
After asking a couple of rhetorical questions of His disciples, Jesus reminded them, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
So, what is your daily bread? It is the knowledge, even at the midnight hour, that you always have the Holy Spirit available to you. It is less about a satisfying meal to nourish the body than it is about the satisfying presence of Christ in you that nourishes your soul.
Give thanks today for neighbors and friends who help meet your needs even at inconvenient times. Then thank God for His indwelling Holy Spirit who more than provides all you need.
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