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Luke 15:17-19
Getting Eyes on Grace (Again): The Help & Hindrance of Our Deep Hunger
Nathan Harrison
February 13th, 2024
When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!
I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’
Hunger makes us do some amazing things.
It can turn us any direction that promises to satisfy. Then it will drive us even further that direction. It’s also intense enough to lead us into buying some lies in exchange for being filled.
Only grace can sort through hunger’s stirrings.
The divine use of hunger is to give us humility to turn from our wandering. Then comes the strength to return to God’s loving care. But hunger doesn’t have the final say. Notice the part the hungry son planned to say, but never got to express: his own unworthiness, and the suggestion to proceed in contractual servant relationship with his father.
God’s grace lovingly responds to the turning and returning hunger produces, while silencing the lies that same hunger whispers.
No wonder Jesus called those who hunger and thirst blessed - they have a Heavenly Father who has already determined to see them filled.