“He is the Bread of Life that satisfies.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 20, 2022
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15
The Lord recently gave me a personal lesson on materialism and desiring things of the world when I spoke with an acquaintance, and she shared that she’s been feeling discontent. “I have everything I could ever want but I’m still not satisfied,” she said.
As she shared her heart, I remembered her gorgeous home and the lovely things she owns. Immediately, a thought came to mind, “All of that hasn’t added an ounce of joy to her life.”
I wasn’t thinking this to be judgmental. This woman is a lovely person and I admire her. It was a simple observation of truth for me from God. He was reminding me how I need to spend my life seeking His Kingdom and not to ever chase after material goods—including a new house!
A few days later, I visited the home of a wealthy couple. As I looked around at the beautiful furnishings and captivating original paintings, the same thought came to mind: “All of this hasn’t added an ounce of joy to their lives.” Again, I wasn’t judging this lovely couple or their hearts. Each person is responsible to the Lord on their own. It was an observation for me.
Just a few minutes later, the Lord brought Isaiah 55:2 to mind, a truth to remember not to believe money or things can add any real joy to my life.
“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good and you will delight in the richest of fare.”
The literal interpretation the Holy Spirit gave me from Isaiah 55:2 was, “Don’t waste your money on things that won’t satisfy your soul. Don’t waste your hard work and labor to get more material goods. They will never bring you true joy and they will never satisfy you.”
In our Western culture, even Christ followers are often seduced into believing that joy or fulfillment can come from owning more things or having more money. Certainly, we have Jesus, but if we have a bigger house, a nicer car, or a fat bank account, won’t we be more fulfilled?
Everyone alive has limited resources: a limited amount of time, and a limited amount of money. We deceive ourselves and buy into the world’s lie if we believe more of anything can bring us true satisfaction.
We are not material beings. We are spiritual beings living in a material world in material bodies.
“Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7).
Because our bodies are just material houses where our spirits reside, it’s impossible to feed our spirits with the material.
But Jesus brings true joy. He is the Bread of Life that satisfies. And, living for His Kingdom and for His priorities brings satisfaction and true joy that the world, more material goods, or even a bigger house can never give. Hallelujah!
How will you spend your finite resources, your money, your labor, and your time? Will you spend them seeking to become satisfied with something that cannot satisfy, or will you live for Jesus?
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
Prayer
Lord, how I praise you, praise you that you are enough. With you in my life, I have all I need, and you provide all my needs according to your riches in glory. Thank you so much, Jesus. I love you. Amen.
Application
Do you need to lay down your desire for more? Do you struggle with greed in any area of life? Talk with the Lord, confess to Him if needed and ask Him to reorient your heart and desires toward Him.
Related Reading
1 Timothy 6:7-8; Matthew 6:19-20; Proverbs 15:16; Matthew 6:1
Worship Resource
Laura Hackett Park: You Satisfy My Soul
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