Today’s scripture: Mark 8:1-10 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) (NRSV)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
I love the compassion Jesus communicates here for those who would have fainted for lack of food. The long journey home would take a lot of energy. Psalm 107:4-9, something that Jesus surely had read, says, “Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to an inhabited town; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; he led them by a straight way, until they reached an inhabited town. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.” (NRSV)
If the Lord is so concerned about our physical hunger, then how important must our spiritual hunger be to God? Are you hungry for righteousness in your life? Then Jesus says you are blessed (Matthew 5:6).
Psalm 119:81 declares, “My soul languishes for your salvation; I hope in your word.” Yes, my soul gets weak — it hungers, it thirsts, it is starving for your salvation and righteousness, O Lord! When we get to the point where we hunger as much for God’s sterling righteousness as we do for a prime rib dinner after not eating all day, then I think we’ll be where Jesus wants us to be.
All of this leaves me with one more thought. We have been blessed to read the accounts of our courageous sisters who journeyed to Sudan to help minister to God’s people there. And, we know of the deplorable conditions in Darfur, Zimbabwe, and other places. So, how can we ever read a passage like Mark 8:1-10 and not think of all of our brothers and sisters in the world who don’t have enough to eat? Thank God they will always be on our radar screen of awareness — that we can pray for them, and also seek out ways to help them in a tangible way.
Prayer for the day: Lord Jesus, thank you for the deep compassion you have for all who languish for lack of physical or spiritual sustenance. And, thank you for igniting a like compassion in our hearts.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.