Hunger for Something Greater
How Our Desires Point us to Jesus
We Hunger, We Long, We Desire
We hunger. We long. We desire. It is innately human. Whether for food, water, glory, money, sex, friendship, or simply to keep on living, we are created with longings that must be fulfilled. However, when taken to extremes, these desires can lead to destruction. For instance, if we let food control our lives, we may become obese. If we allow our sexual desires to dictate our actions, we can face numerous consequences. Similarly, if greed for money takes over, it overshadows every other good thing in this world. Yet, despite their potential dangers, each of these desires points us toward something greater.
Hunger That Earth Can't Satisfy
C.S. Lewis states, "If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world." Ecclesiastes 3:11 reinforces this idea, noting that God has put eternity in our hearts. We yearn for an eternal existence in the presence of the all-sustaining One. The joy we experience when a desire is temporarily met on this side of heaven pales in comparison to the joy awaiting those who have a relationship with God through Christ. In the grand scheme of eternity, our current longings and waiting are merely a fleeting moment before the ultimate fulfillment arrives.
Hunger for Righteousness
Jesus reveals that the key to true satisfaction lies in how we channel our desires. Rather than simply hungering for food or thirsting for water, we should strive for righteousness--a right relationship with God characterized by living according to His will and seeking justice and love. When Jesus says, "Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you," He emphasizes that our deepest desires find true fulfillment in Him. This understanding invites us to recognize the profound fulfillment God promises through a relationship with Him. While we will inevitably experience hunger and longing, in our pursuit, we find the ultimate source of satisfaction. Jesus is the living water that will never run dry; He is our daily bread that always satisfies.
God Has Given Us a Taste
Navigating life can feel like a child wandering through their home as their mother prepares a holiday meal. We can smell the pies, see the ham poised for the oven, and hear timers alerting us that we are closer to a wonderful feast. Like a patient mother, God reassures us, "Just a little longer, and it will all be ready." For some, this fulfillment will come at His return; for others, it may come at our own passing. What begins as a mere taste and longing will be fully realized when we transition from our perishable bodies to an imperishable future. We will emerge from the shadowlands into a vibrant reality, where everything is more real than we have ever known. Every meal enjoyed, every moment of glory, and every glimpse of beauty will pale in comparison to the wonders that await us.
We Shall Eat and Be Satisfied
Revelation 19:9 proclaims, "And the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" This scripture beautifully illustrates the unity of God and His people as a marriage feast. I recall a time when my wife and I attended weddings almost every weekend. To be honest, my favorite part was not the ceremonies themselves but the receptions. In many American weddings, there is often an awkward pause between the ceremony and the reception, where guests wait while the bride and groom take pictures. This waiting, though sometimes tedious, serves as a reminder of the joy that is about to come--a glimpse of the greater banquet that awaits us.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our human desires--though often misdirected--serve as a reminder of our longing for something far greater than ourselves. They point us toward the ultimate satisfaction found in God. As we navigate our lives, let us remember to channel our longings toward righteousness, seek a relationship with Christ, and anticipate the eternal satisfaction that awaits us. By doing so, we not only fulfill our deepest desires but also align ourselves with the divine purpose for which we were created