Moldy Cheese & Hairy Bread (devotion)

But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness: and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 6:33



Oley Severson was born in Sweden and grew up in a family of fishermen. Due to hard times, Oley decided to cross over to the “promised land” of America. He was poor, but after several years of scrounging he saved enough to buy the ticket. He decided to save on his fare by taking some food along. He bought a large slab

of good country cheese and seven loaves of dark rye bread.



The departure day came, and he was on his way with his food and a small sea chest. Day after day, Oley ate cheese and rye bread, but thoughts of his future outweighed the inconvenience.



But alas, storms swept across the ocean, slowing the ship considerably and adding to the days of travel. Oley was tired of the now musty cheese and blue-green hairy-edged bread. How good was the smell from the kitchen above! Finally, he gathered courage and decided to visit the area from which this good smell of food came. He wandered up the two flights of stairs, being careful to stay out of the waiters’ way. Suddenly a ship’s officer noticed him and berated him for being a potential stumbling block. Oley, being desperate, blurted out to the officer (with the limited English he knew) of his present food predicament. The officer could hardly believe his ears! “Hey, you know what? When you bought your tickets, your meals were included. And you have been eating only moldy bread and cheese!”

Soon word swept over the ship and people flocked to the dining room door to get a look at this young man. But Oley did not care. He had two more days of travel left and not a moment to lose. He hunched down and started eating the delicious food before him.



My friend, since you have accepted Christ as your Savior, what food have you been eating? This world has nothing to offer but moldy cheese and hairy bread!

The price has been paid in full at Calvary. Let us not be foolish and lose out on the faithful promises of God!



Wayne E. Miller, Rushsylvania, OH



~Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.~

—Matthew 5:6