Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Job 19:25 I know that my Redeemer lives.
HE LIVES MY HUNGRY SOUL TO FEED
Toddlers are famous for sticking non-edible things in their mouths. Glue from the squeeze bottle, sand from the playground, dirt from the flower garden has all been tasted by curious little mouths.
What do you and I stick inside our souls? Have we learned to avoid the "yuk" of what the world offers as food for the soul? Sinners have a natural craving for the dirt of sin. They much prefer the vomit of false doctrine and worldly philosophy to the rich and nourishing food provided by the Living Lord. In fact, our sinful nature has absolutely no appetite for God's Word. But the soul simply can't live without His Word. Without the Word it can only die eternally.
Thank God that the Holy Spirit has given you and me new spiritual taste buds. As newborn believers in the Risen Savior, we have learned to "Taste and see that the LORD is good" (Psalm 34:8).
Jesus is alive and very much interested in making sure we are well fed. He did not rise only to leave us to scrounge around on our own for the food we need. As our living Savior, He actively provides us with everything we need to keep our faith alive and healthy. In His Word are countless choice promises: promises filled with forgiveness, tasty with peace and joy, satisfying enough to give eternal life. His Word is packed with powerful nutrients to make us grow more Christ-like in our love for God and our neighbor.
Are you hungry today? Jesus is ready to feed you the best meal ever! So turn away from all that other stuff. It's only dirt and sand, and probably worse. Open your Bible and there you'll find real food -- the kind sinners need. Read that Word! Take it in! Thank God for it, and be quick to invite others to the banquet! Tell them:
He lives to bless me with His love,
He lives to plead for me above,
He lives my hungry soul to feed,
He lives to help in time of need.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 200:3)
