My friends and I left the women’s event later than planned. By the time I dropped off the three friends at different locations, dinner was past ready.
When I finally walked in the house, he had prepared the food, set the table and even had a Dr. Pepper waiting, my favorite. He patiently waited for me to join him.
That meal satisfied my hunger, but it did so much more than that. It warmed my heart that a 17-year-old patiently waited (without complaint) to share a meal with me.
Pure love
That night reminded me of how our hearts are hungry too.
In our world today, we want more. More fulfillment, more satisfaction and better relationships. However, we often run to that which will never satisfy the hunger in our hearts.
When we search for fulfillment in people, we find mostly taking; people wanting more of us.
Bosses want more of our time. Social media entertains, but demands we keep watching or reading for the next comedic relief or drama in others’ lives. Sometimes even relationships – the unhealthy ones – continue to take from us until we’re exhausted and unfulfilled.
But Jesus demonstrated giving. He gave so that we could live forever with Him. He proved His love for us. A love so pure He willingly hung on a cross for our sins. Willingly endured being pierced, tortured and wounded for our sake. The creator of the universe, King of Kings and Lord of Lords took the weight of our sins upon Him, choosing to die that we might live.
Maybe the hunger of our hearts is designed to drive us to Jesus.
The compassion of the Lord
Isaiah 55:1-3 paints a picture of an invitation to the spiritually hungry and thirsty to come to the one and only place where our hearts can be filled.
Even the most wonderful experiences or relationships or treasures in this life do not fill that spiritual need.
With a gentle and compassionate heart, Jesus invites us to come to Him and receive a meal that will fill and satisfy the deepest hunger in our hearts. Jesus is the answer. His table is the only place our hearts can be filled.
As we reflect on Easter and the hope it brings, may we remember the sacrifice that was freely given so that we have a place at His table.
He waits patiently for us to join Him at a table prepared for us. He has paid the cost. He wants us to eat . . . and live.
“Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
hear, that your soul may live;
and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David” (Isaiah 55:1-3 ESV).
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Such a beautiful story about patience and kindness. It’s amazing how a simple act of waiting and preparing a meal can hold so much meaning. This reminds us that true fulfillment often comes from selfless acts of love rather than material things. The way Jesus is likened to this patience and care is a powerful metaphor. Do you think we can cultivate this kind of patience and love in our daily lives?
It’s beautiful how a simple meal can hold so much meaning. The patience and care shown by the 17-year-old is truly heartwarming. It’s a reminder that the little things can fill our hearts in ways we don’t always expect. This story makes me reflect on how we often seek fulfillment in temporary things instead of turning to what truly matters. Do you think this kind of patience and selflessness is something we can learn to practice more in our daily lives?