BLESSED ARE THE HUNGRY
A wise observation by King Solomon: Hunger motivates work. In other words, hunger can act as an incentive for one to labor for himself. Self-employment is hard, but often the most rewarding, for both the stomach and for one’s self-respect. Of course, the opposite must also be true: Full stomachs inspire lethargy. Free food ultimately enslaves. If the recipient doesn’t have to work for it, their motivation for work is removed. Forgetting this wisdom is detrimental to both the individual and the community. Give the weak and starving bread, but urge the strong and hungry to work.
Yet, there is a hunger and a thirst that physical food and drink cannot satisfy. It is the hunger and thirst of the soul that can only be satisfied by the Lord Himself. This hunger is also a blessing, for it is the prerequisite for being filled. As Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matt. 5:6).
The one who is self-satisfied without God, will not seek Him. But the one who hungers and thirsts to be right with God, will ultimately be found by Him. For that is why Christ Jesus came. He came as the Bread of Life and the Living Water to satisfy the hungry souls of sinful humanity.
So spiritual hunger is a blessing too. What are you hungry for today?
PRAYER: Dear Father, we are hungry for more of You today. Yesterday’s grace was sufficient for that day, but today we need new grace, new daily bread, from Your heavenly table. Today, we draw from Your bottomless well of Living Water and drink deeply until we are filled. Our hunger and thirst for You is a blessing. It moves us today to desire more of You. Fill us afresh and send us out to join You in Your work according to Your power. In Jesus’ name, amen.