Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” (John 6:35)

Hunger is an epidemic in our world today. Almost 780 million people suffer from chronic undernourishment (worldhunger.org); that’s about one in nine worldwide! Spiritual hunger, on the other hand, is probably much more prevalent. Statistics on religious adherents are not helpful, even when counting those who identify as Christian. For who can know for sure the reality of the redeemed life in those who identify themselves as members of a Christian religion or denomination? Jesus made it clear the vast majority would not gain eternal life: “The way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt 7:13–14).

Therefore, there is great spiritual undernourishment in the world. The unsaved, unredeemed, unregenerate children of darkness—those who do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ—are not receiving spiritual food. Either they are uninterested, being dead in their sins and satiated by the junk satisfactions of the world, or they are unable to find spiritual food because of their ignorance of Jesus Christ.

Spiritual hunger manifests itself in different ways and is not satisfied with substitutes. Our souls hunger after God and His righteousness. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matt 5:6). Apart from Him, people seek justice through the legal system, cultural pressure and other means, even war. Liberation theology of an earlier time sought to bring about political and legal righteousness as a means to alleviate the suffering of the oppressed. While the goal is admirable, the means are skewed. For the hunger for true righteousness can only be satisfied in Christ, who brings righteousness even in the midst of injustices. What good is it to bring about political, cultural and legal justice, if a person suffers a lost eternity apart from the God of righteousness? Our hunger for righteousness can only be found in Christ!

Just like the people who followed Jesus during His earthly life had their physical hunger satisfied when He multiplied the loaves and fishes to feed the thousands, so He fulfills all our hunger and longings. He is the nourishment for our souls. Is it not wonderful that we who believe “are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Rev 19:9)?

Lord, while You satisfy me now, I look forward to being fully satiated in Your presence.