It’s been a long time since I was a growing teenager, but I live in a home with several, so I have regular opportunities to refresh my memory on how much they can eat. It’s not uncommon to see someone go into the kitchen, shortly after a meal has just been prepared, served, and cleaned up.
“Are you still hungry?” someone might ask.
“Nope, I’m hungry again,” comes the reply.
ALREADY?!
In our Scripture and sermon from this past Sunday, we reflected on how Jesus divided the loaves and the fish of a small boy, shared them with thousands of people crowded around, and everyone ate and were satisfied. Praise God! In worship this coming Sunday, we will consider the continuation of the account in John 6:24-35, where the people catch up to Jesus again. Jesus knew that everyone had eaten their fill. They weren’t still hungry, but rather perhaps they were hungry again.
Jesus encourages them to seek nourishment that is eternal, not simply another free meal. What about you? What about your faith? What about your relationship with God? Do you come to church on Sundays because you’re hungry? Have you forgotten what the blessings of God taste like? Or, have you come to give thanks and praise, offering your worship to the Almighty Creator of the heavens and the earth?
God desires to feed us as children. God desires for us to be satisfied: with God’s provision; with our many blessings; with our “daily bread.” Of course, there are times when we experience deficit: when we mourn, grieve, suffer, and experience need. We come to God. We cry out in prayer. We ask God to meet our needs. In other seasons, we can enjoy all that God gives— even Jesus Christ, the “Bread of Life.”
This coming week we will also celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion together. Come, taste and see that the Lord is good. Amen.
Blessings to you all,
Pastor Adam
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