“Lebab haya ad” is Hebrew for “may your hearts live forever!” and “your heart shall live forever!” So much time, effort, and expense is spent to extend life. I watch what I eat – most of the time. I exercise – when I can. And I avoid dangerous situations – except when I am adventurous, excited, and willing to take risks. Yet, no matter how much I do what is good for the body, my body is slowly dying. Well, actually as I get older it seems to be dying faster now than when I was younger. The physical will die. Yet, this verse is a blessing during a celebration of a victory that promises eternal life.
Eternal life is also promised by Jesus. He linked it to eating. After Jesus fed the thousands they followed him because they wanted more free food. Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty…. I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life.” (John 6:32-33, 35, 47-48)
