It's only a loaf on the table spread,
But oh! what it means to me;
'Tis the body beloved that was crucified
On the hill of Calvary.
It's only a loaf, the manna from God
To nourish His people here;
“What is it?" they said, in astonished voice,
"Our bread in the desert drear?”
It's only a loaf, it's Abigail's work,
Kneaded and baked with care.
The many made one in the bundle of life
With the Lord's anointed to share.
It's only a loaf, discarded and lost
By a world of its need unaware;
'Til He come we show forth, by the broken bread
How His body was given there.
It's only a loaf, but the broken shards
In baskets we'll gather and keep,
For Israel, convicted in a coming day
When for Jesus shall sorrow and weep.
It's only a loaf, but someday I'll gaze
At His face, when we meet in the air,
And I'll eat and I'll drink in the Father's house
And rejoice with Mephibosheth there.
D. Lunden