Sourced in tears but given for glory
by Eden Bishop, on behalf of Pastor Matt Bishop
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You have fed them with the bread of tears and given them tears to drink in full measure (Psalm 80:5).
In The Lord of the Rings, renewing food and drink are important devices that JRR Tolkien employs. One such example is miruvor or the cordial of Imladris. It is used by the Fellowship early in their quest in times of suffering, such as when they are stuck in a blizzard on Caradhras, or when marching through the Mines of Moria. It is said to bring ‘new strength of heart … fresh hope and vigour’. Similarly, upon their departure from Lothlórien, the Fellowship are gifted lembas, the waybread of the Elves (also known as coimas, which translates to life-bread). This waybread is used to feed those who go on long journeys and heal those on the brink of death due to injury.
The function of miruvor and lembas has a striking resemblance to the bread and wine we receive in the Lord’s Supper. Tolkien was once questioned about the link, which he never denied.
In today’s text, we hear how God’s people have been fed with the ‘bread of tears’ and given ‘tears to drink in full measure’. The use of ‘bread’ immediately brings to mind how Jesus gave up his body – the bread of life. The tears that God’s people have been given to eat and drink are the body and blood of Jesus, who took on the anguish, suffering and sins of all people when he died on the cross. Before his death, Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper (see Matthew 26:26–28). He tells his disciples to eat the bread – his body – and drink the wine – his blood that has been poured out for the forgiveness of sins. However, unlike in today’s psalm, these don’t denote sorrow, even if they were given in agony by him. Instead, they provide forgiveness and a place in God’s family. We receive these benefits ‘in full measure’. God never skimps on his grace! Jesus bore everyone’s sin and suffering – embracing our tears – and he died for all. We are offered full forgiveness. Nothing is left unaccounted for; no sin is too great. All our tears in suffering are now shared by Christ in his union with us. It’s now a case for us of ‘tears of joy’. And just as the Fellowship received renewal and strength in drinking miruvor and eating lembas as they walked on their quest, so Jesus’ body and blood are our food for his walk with us to eternity. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the grace we receive in your Son’s body and blood. His anguish and tears were for us; by them, we now cry tears of joy and restoration. Renew, comfort and strengthen us in times of suffering as you serve us in Jesus’ special supper. Amen.
Eden Bishop lives in Adelaide and is a member at St Paul Blair Athol. She attends the University of Adelaide and is in the final year of her Advanced Economics degree. Eden enjoys reading (particularly The Lord of the Rings), playing the piano in church, knitting and learning fun facts about dinosaurs.
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