Come Hungry And Thirsty
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6
Gatherings around the table are some of my favorite events. There is much hard work to prepare that big meal, but the reward of satisfaction is worth it all. I always have high hopes that the tried and true recipes passed down through the generations will once again prove to be a hit.
The table is set with care and the centerpiece is arranged. Extra chairs are shoved into place and then the steaming hot dishes fill the table. The only thing missing is hungry bellies, laughter and lots of loud talking. One such gathering stands out in my mind. As the meal began, one announced that she was on a strict diet and would just eat a few bites of salad. Another pushed a little pile of potatoes around and around and nibbled on a slice of turkey. The children were not the least bit interested and then the truth came out. Their hunger on the drive had caused them to stop for some fast food to tame the growls. Now they sat around the table that was bulging with delicious food, but they had no appetites.
The casseroles were barely dented and all of my exhausting work seemed like a total waste. The laughter and conversation were wonderful, but I longed for my family to enjoy my gift of love expressed through the meal I had prepared. I wanted them to push back from the table fully satisfied. I felt the disappointment rising as I put away the food which on the following day would be just cold left-overs.
I somehow think that God might feel the same way. He longs for His children to come to the table hungry and thirsty for Him and His righteousness. He loves for us to come often and deliberately. When we show up to the table filled with the delicacies of this world, we feel little need for righteousness. Nibbling on junk food takes away our appetite and it never really fills or satisfies except for the momentary. We desperately need a real hunger for the righteousness, goodness and mercy of God.
This week I found myself perched on the deck in the early morning hours. I was enjoying reading God’s word and studying once again that wonderful list of beatitudes. The focus this week was:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6
I was easily distracted by the singing birds that were flitting all around me. The hummingbird feeder was nearing empty as the tiny birds flew between the flowering Rose of Sharon bush to the plastic red feeder. I watched as their long beaks reached deep within for the sweetest, most satisfying nectar.
My eyes went from reading about hungering and thirsting to realizing an “in the moment” illustration that was being played out right in front of me. The birds kept coming back for more. I identified four different hummingbirds, but each of them continuously returned to drink and eat over and over. Not once did I see them digging in the potted plants or drinking from the murky water fountain. They knew exactly where to find nourishment and satisfaction.
The words slipped from my lips, “They just keep coming back over and over.” I felt the Spirit nudge me and invite me to the same lifestyle.
Come to Me. Eat and drink of Me. Come often. Just keep coming back.
I am your full satisfaction. Drink deeply of My goodness and righteousness and you will be filled. You will come to desire Me over all others. Righteousness will fill your heart and you will be truly blessed.
I quickly turned to Isaiah and began to eat and drink the words of this beautiful invitation. This great invitation is for you also. Drink it in.
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance.” Isaiah 55:1-3
The table is filled for you.
Show up hungry and thirsty.
You will never be disappointed!