FOOD THAT MATTERS

Food and water are essential for man. Nothing can be as satisfying as having a drink of water when parched with thirst or gulping down some food when one has gone hungry for a long period of time. Yet, Jesus says,

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” John 4:34

Food had been glorified and idolized in today’s modern society much like everything else has been. Around 12% of the world population does not have enough food to eat. Can you imagine the disbelief that would be evident if a person from such a place comes over to modern society and sees the wastage of food? Or even worse, when whole television shows are dedicated to food and ‘experts’ taste a morsel, throw away the rest and then wax eloquently about the unique flavors and how the food just missed the mark or had some areas that were not cooked adequately. Food is a basic necessity and that becomes evident when one is forced to starve for a period of time. But Jesus goes on to say that there is something more satisfying than food for a hungry person. And that is to seek the will of God and do it.

The statement by Jesus also implies that man belongs to God and has been commissioned to be here on this earth. In today’s world, man declares his allegiance to anything or anyone but God. Celebrities have rabid fan followers, like the ‘swifties’ for Taylor Swift, the ‘beyhive’ for Beyonce and so on. Such fan groups are promoted by these stars and help them gain the publicity they need for maintaining their relevance. These fans worship their idols, feed on each other’s frenzied devotion through social media platforms and go to extreme lengths to defend their idols and do their bidding. All will end up having a wasted a lifetime for that which does not satisfy. Sports fans go from season to season hoping to see their team win it all. Rarely does that happen, leaving disappointment and frustration in their wake. Even on the rare occasion when their team wins, the celebration lasts only for a few days, and then arrives the desolation and emptiness once the excitement dies down. Man has been created for God and will not find his rest till he gives himself to God, to do his bidding and to honor him.

Jesus also says that his food is to finish the work of God. Jesus moved around here on earth with a sense of mission- one of being entrusted with God’s work. He knew what needed to be done during his short life here on earth. Every person who belongs to God has a task to accomplish in the scheme of God’s divine plan. This task may barely match the expectations of those around you and rarely will evoke praise and appreciation. Yet, the one who finds God’s will for him and earnestly pursues it, with faith, love and perseverance, will be able to look back upon his life with a sense of satisfaction that is beyond precious.

If one has sought satisfaction and fulfillment in this world, without finding it, he needs to look at Christ, in whom is life and fulfillment.

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