“Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days.” (Eccl. 11:1) What Does Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters Mean? Definition: To do something kind or good without expecting anything in return.
The following story is a very good illustration of this saying AMANDA, Bar Kappara, one of the Tanaim who lived at the time of Rabbi Judah Hanassi, was once walking along the seashore of Caesaria, when he noticed a shipwreck in the distance. As he stood and looked, he saw a man swimming from the wreck towards the shore.
The man seemed to be making good headway and was obviously a good swimmer. But as soon as he reached land, he almost collapsed with weariness. Bar Kappara went forward and GAVE HIM A HELPING HAND. The man staggered ashore and begged him to assist him. Bar Kappara took him home, clothed him, fed him and offered him some money so that the man went away REFRESHED AND ENCOURAGED.
Some years later, the Jews of Caesaria found themselves in a predicament with the local authorities and decided to send a petition to the Governor. They chose Bar Kappara to go and speak on their behalf. Bar Kappara prayed to God to guide him aright and help him succeed in his important mission.
When Bar Kappara reached the Governor’s palace, he asked for permission to see the Governor. When his request was granted, he was ushered into the presence of the Governor. To his great astonishment, BAR KAPPARA RECOGNIZED HIM AS THE SAME MAN WHOM HE HAD ONCE SAVED AND HELPED ON THE SHORES OF CAESARIA.
“What can I do for you, my friend?” the Governor greeted him warmly, recognizing Bar Kappara as his onetime “friend in need.” Bar Kappara earnestly begged the Governor to use his authority in helping the Jews, on whose behalf he had now come to plead.
The Governor listened carefully and patiently to the story Bar Kappara unfolded before him and then said:
“I WILL GLADLY DO THIS FAVOR FOR YOU, my friend, because when I was in such a desperate position YOU HELPED ME to the maximum of your ability without asking for or expecting any reward. Because of your unselfishness and kindness to me, I shall now help your suffering brethren at your request.”
A VERY GOOD LESSON TO LEARN AND FOLLOW…
Your personal Pastor -Dad…