Even though I grew up in a poor household, I don’t know much about hunger. Most times, our cupboards and refrigerator were sparsely supplied. Staple items even disappeared when finances were less than adequate. Yet, my father always managed to supply something for us to eat. I’ve felt temporary hunger pains but never to the point of starvation. Meals of choice were limited, but we learned to eat what was available to be satisfied. There are people starving and a piece of bread would suffice.
I remember feeling salvation hunger pains. I was starving spiritually. Reverential fear of God gripped my soul. Hell would be my eternal destiny if I couldn’t get fed with the bread Jesus offered. Nothing else eased my pain, yet I didn’t know how to partake of Jesus. I’d heard the gospel preached, but faith eluded me. The bread of life was presented for the taking, yet I was still starving.
Void of soul satisfaction people are hungry to hear the gospel.
Once I believed and tasted Jesus, I became responsible for telling others how I found satisfaction. The world needs spiritual sustenance that only Jesus can provide and all believers are commanded to share the gospel. If we walked through a village full of starving people, with a basket of bread, we’d surely share food to satisfy the hungry. Why then are we believers so reluctant to share the gospel?
Humans tend to eat whatever is offered to keep from starving. Some have been known to eat bugs, beasts, and even each other to stay alive. Yet, when it comes to the gospel of Jesus many refuse to surrender and receive eternal satisfaction. However, we are still commanded to spread the gospel: And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15
I’m realizing my own lack of sharing the gospel, so I pray for myself and all other believers to be willing to feed the hungry. My prayer is also for you who have never tasted Jesus to find satisfying life in Him. Only Jesus will suffice.
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger;
John 6:35a
I’m thankful God planted in me a hunger and thirst for Him. I’m mulling over your point about feeding those who are hungry spiritually. I don’t do that enough. Thanks for convicting me.
Where would we be without Jesus? My grandfather lived a life that caused me to hunger for what he had even though I failed to feel the hunger pains. God answered his prayers and created a hunger within me to know God. It’s so sad many are starving and fail to feel the hunger pains. Let’s pray we see people’s spiritual needs satisfied.
You’ve made a valid and persuasive argument that we all need to heed–it’s up to us to spread the good news of Jesus to those who are spiritually starving. I know I’m guilty of not doing a good job of feeding these hungry. Thank you, Lisa, for guiding us in the direction Jesus would have us go to serve Him.
I fail too, Katherine but people are hungry for God whether they realize it or not.