In the wide world of sports, the term "hungry" is used quite often. To describe a person or a team as hungry means that they greatly desire to win and are working hard to put themselves in that position. After an individual or team has won a championship, there is naturally the temptation to relax and not have the same high level of intensity as they had before. They are then described as no longer hungry, and they usually get beaten by someone else who is.
In Jesus' day, there were some who greatly desired to follow him, but for the wrong reason. Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him” (John 6:26,27 NKJV). They followed Jesus because they were hungry for another good meal. But Jesus points them to something higher that will truly satisfy the soul, which is Jesus himself. Sadly, many were not hungry for the bread of life (John 6:66).
For what are you hungry? Read these words of the psalmist and ponder if this describes your mindset: As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God (Psalm 42:1,2)? What motivates you to get up every morning? What are your daily priorities? On what do you spend most of your money?
Jesus asks about the location of your treasure. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). What you and I treasure in this life reveals where our heart truly is. For many, it is on the material world around us. Jesus told his disciples not to worry about those things, such as food, clothing, and shelter; But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33).
Are you hungry for the things of God or the things of men (cf. Matthew 16:23)? If it is the latter, remember Jesus Christ and him crucified, and what that great act of love means for you. Repent, and do what you did when you first became a Christian (cf. Revelation 2:4,5). Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled (Matthew 5:6).
When Jesus walked this earth, he was hungry to do the will of God (John 4:34). We know what his primary food was because he told the tempter this: It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). May we do likewise. But beware, if we are not hungry for the word of God, then we will be devoured ourselves (1 Peter 5:8).
Brotherly, Jamie
