Hungry?

Because of the way our bodies are constructed, we need food every day. I've joked often that at our house, we are always planning the next meal, eating, or talking about what we just ate!

In scripture, however, food is a favorite metaphor for our relationship with God.

Moses explained to the Israelites, "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."

Isaiah heard God say, "Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare." Jeremiah said, "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight." (15:16)

Jesus taught, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

In the gospel of John, we learn that after Jesus miraculously fed the five thousand, the people intended to "come and make him king by force." They searched for him and eventually followed him to Capernaaum, where they quizzed him about what miracles he would do next and mentioning the manna that came from heaven.

Jesus was not impressed by their obvious interest in more free food. He told them, "It is not Moses who has given you bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." (32-33)

And then even more clearly: "I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (48-51)

This conversation finally led many to turn back and no longer follow him. They weren't looking for God, they were seeking a free lunch. I'm afraid I am often like that: so focused on daily human things that I fail to see God's better offer.

Over and over, God tries to tell us that physical sustenance is far surpassed by the spiritual sustenance we have by being in relationship with Him. Our bodies crave food, but in an even more important way, our spirits crave God and his Word.

We have learned to listen to our physical bodies on matters of health; we need to learn to listen to our spirits on matters of the soul. Deep calls to deep, as the psalmist says.

God will sustain us, feed us, breathe life into us if we will receive it. I need to develop my taste for spiritual food. I need to never miss an opportunity for a meal. I need to fill my soul with what will make me grow strong.

Lord, make me hungry for you!