From the Edges – Morning Devotional – Hunger Pains

From the Edges – Morning Devotions
Hunger Pains
Prepared by Pastor Calvin Cook – August 20, 2024

Scripture focus – John 6:35-40 35Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. 36But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. 38For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. 39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me but raise it up on the last day. 40For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

I remember a vivid image from many years ago in Haiti after the earthquake. I observed one day as a humanitarian agency was feeding to the best of their ability the many who were hungry. Long lines of people to receive a cooked cup of rice. Many came from the local communities with containers, bags, anything that they would be able to receive this rice to satisfy their hunger.

There was a little boy who worked himself through the crowd to receive. Lacking a container, he cupped his hands and the cooked rice was put in his little hands. As he moved away from the crowd I watched as he ran down the pathway still cupping this cooked rice in his hand. A day or so later I saw the same little boy and asked my interpreter to inquire about the reason why he was carrying the rice somewhere else. Was it to go and sit in privacy to eat? The little boy shared that he had siblings at home who had nothing to eat and he was taking the rice home to share.

When I complain that there is not enough, the image refreshes my mind, and reminds me that I have more than enough. That I am blessed to still have the ability to care for myself, fix my own food, buy my own food, and don’t necessarily have to worry where the next meal might come from.

As we look at our relationship with God, I think that sometimes we forget, that we are loved and cared for by God as long as we are able to receive that which God wants to give us, wants to pour into our soul. Can we embrace the words of John 6:35 reminding us that when we come to Jesus with pure intention that is humble and holy we will receive. It might not be what we are looking for or desiring, but we will receive all that God intends for us to have and we will be satisfied.

Maybe that is the real problem, we are not satisfied by the love of God by what God wants to give us, because we want so much more. We want all the things that are shiny and glittery according to earthly standards and not to the things that will satisfy our souls into eternity.

Now here is the important part – as you receive, and your hunger is satisfied – who will you share your abundance with. I am not speaking in a physical sense but in a spiritual and holy sense. Who will be blessed by all that you have received from God to satisfy your soul. Who will you share Jesus with today?

(PLEASE NOTE : THE IMAGE THIS MORNING HAS BEEN CREATED USING AI AND DOES NOT REPRESENT ANY SPECIFIC CHILD OR INDIVIDUAL)

If you would be interested in knowing about specific ways you can contribute to alleviate hunger locally or in Haiti. Reach out to Kane Community or East Kane Methodist Church and we would be more than happy to share specific food and hunger related ministries that are in need of your support.