May 06, 2011

Universal Hunger

John 6:25-37

Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry …”
John 6:35

— 

Physical hunger is very real in our world today. The United Nations estimates that up to a billion people in the world struggle with food insecurity. That’s about one out of every seven people.

But a different kind of hunger is even more prevalent: spiritual emptiness and insecurity. It extends from the poor to the rich, and from the young to the old.

Of course, exact statistics on spiritual hunger are impossible to come by. But it’s safe to assume that the number of those who are spiritually hungry and thirsty in this world is much higher than a billion. And when our stomachs are full, our spiritual emptiness often becomes even more pronounced.

Jesus pointed to himself as the ultimate “bread of life,” and he promised “living water” for all who would believe in him (John 4:10, 14; 7:38). In the Middle East of that day it was impossible to imagine a meal without a good loaf of bread. Bread was easy to keep and transport. And fresh water was precious and often scarce in the desert-like climate of the Middle East.

Jesus graciously invited his listeners to come to him and satisfy their spiritual needs.

Please come to Jesus if you struggle with hunger and thirst in your heart! He alone can satisfy!

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your loving, generous offer of the bread of life and living water, to satisfy the deepest needs of our soul. May we seek and find you. Amen.

About the author — Sergei Sosedkin

Sergei Sosedkin is the Russian-language ministry leader for ReFrame Ministries. He is a native of Moscow, Russia. As he oversees the Russian-language ministry, Sosedkin works from our office in Grand Rapids and in various locations in Russia.

Start your day with quick daily devotions.

See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!