Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. (Luke 6:21)
“What are those children doing?” I said.
“Those are the youngest of their families.”
Our host in Africa navigated her Jeep between fields of harvested corn stubs.
“In times of starvation, the older members eat first. Those little ones are trying to club mice for food.”
I could hear the pain in the reply from a missionary who gave her life to help orphans and saw no end to the need.
The children in their rags stared at the dust billowing from our car. We had what they wanted.
I, too, am hungry. But mine is soul hunger. In my desperation, I shove whatever I can find into my heart—Bible verses, church services, even inspirational music.
Despite my intake, I’m never satisfied. I chew a promise, and it spikes a rush of joy, is digested and gone. I crave more.
Jesus watches over the children of the field. Still, many of them will depart this earth while hungry.
I will depart this earth with my hunger. Together, the children and I will ask God to fill us.
Then King will feast with us. We’ll break into song, dance around the throne, and absorb love. Filled in every way, we’ll fall into a laughing tangle and shout, “No more tears, emptiness, or hunger.”
We might get up and revel again—not because we’re hungry, but because of the overabundance from the Lamb.
The memory will return to our minds that it was Jesus who promised, “You will be satisfied.”
Prayer: Lord God, fill me and the children at your banqueting table.