We recently received an update on a mission work in Malawi, Africa that included the experiences of a group that had gone to see and assist in the work there.  One occasion found a couple of young men (teenagers) who were teaching a group of Malawian teens in bible class for a period of two hours, only to find the students eager for them to teach more on the following day.  They agreed and the next day they taught for three hours only to have the youth ask them to continue teaching them that afternoon as well.  What we have here is a picture of hungering for the word!  What a refreshing and encouraging picture reminding us that there are people in the world who want to know more about God, His Son and the plan of redemption laid forth in the scriptures. 

When I read this report I couldn’t help but reflect on the words of Jesus in the following passages… “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (right standing with God), for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6 and “I am the bread of life: he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.”  John 6:35. 

There are those who want to be right with God, able to stand in His presence, and Jesus has given us the answer.  Come to Jesus, seek Him out.  Hunger and thirst that is strong enough will lead us to the Savior and we will be filled.  There are a number of passages of scripture showing people who were hungry for God.  The Samaritans of John, chapter 4, sought to confirm what the lady from the well had told them.  Cornelius sent for Peter to learn what God would have him do in Acts, chapter 10.  The Jews at Berea were inclined to check for themselves what Paul had taught them showed a hunger.  Read Acts chapter 13, verses 13-44 to see the response of the city of Pisidian Antioch.  Want a relationship with God?  Hunger for it, thirst for it and you will find it!

Copyright © 2007, Nolan P. Rutter