Appetite!

Sometimes people respond to some action or activity by saying, "I just don't have the stomach for it." There are some things which turn our stomach just to think about them. Some activities we just do not have any desire to partake of or take part in. What we do have an appetite for should be considered because though many live life with a full plate, what is being feasted upon is not always good or good for them.

In a reference to "the wicked" and "the evil" ( Proverbs 4:14) Solomon noted. . .

"(17) For they eat THE BREAD OF WICKEDNESS and drink THE WINE OF VIOLENCE." ( Proverbs 4:17 ESV)

What an appetite! A life described as indulging in wickedness (their bread) and violence (their drink). However, note the contrast between that description and the appetite of our Lord as expressed following His encounter with the Samaritan woman He met at the well near Sychar.

Speaking to His disciples who had returned with food for the Lord to eat, we read. . .

"(32) But he said to them, 'I have food to eat that you do not know about.' (33) So the disciples said to one another, 'Has anyone brought him something to eat?' (34) Jesus said to them, "MY FOOD IS TO DO THE WILL OF HIM WHO SENT ME AND TO ACCOMPLISH HIS WORK."" ( John 4:32-34 ESV)

This woman had come to draw water, but ended up leaving her water jar there. ( John 4:28) Her real thirst was satisfied in having found the Messiah. And we see our Lord's appetite had been turned from physical food to carrying out His mission of reaching the lost. Is that what is on our plate? Do we see such as a delicious and satisfying banquet to partake in? Do we recognize the sustaining nourishment that can be gained from CARRRYING OUT THE WILL OF GOD?

The great contrast is between a destructive hunger and that of a constructive hunger. The path we take may determine what we get to eat along the way. What are we feasting upon? The "fast food" of worldliness will have a negative impact on the health of our heart and thinking. However, the "soul food" of CARRYING OUT THE WILL OF GOD will nourish us and make us spiritually strong, enabling us to live a vibrant and victorious life to His glory and praise, and our further blessing. May we continue to be drawn to that which is truly good and good for us.

Have a great day DEVELOPING AND MAINTAINING THE APPETITE OF THE LORD!
Carl

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