In the Antarctic summer of 1908-9, Sir Ernest Shackleton and three companions attempted to travel to the South Pole from their winter quarters. They set off with four ponies to help carry the load. Weeks later, their ponies dead, rations all but exhausted, they turned back toward their base, their goal not accomplished. Altogether, they trekked 127 days. On the return journey, as Shackleton records in The Heart of the Antarctic, the time was spent talking about food — elaborate feasts, gourmet delights, sumptuous menus. As they staggered along, suffering from dysentery, not knowing whether they would survive, every waking hour was occupied with thoughts of eating.
Jesus, who also knew the ravages of food deprivation, said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” We can understand Shackleton’s obsession with food, which offers a glimpse of the passion Jesus intends for our need for righteousness.
Dear church, the desire of the Lord is that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. But what is your desire, are you hungry and thirsty for the knowledge of the truth? This desire generally does not come to us until we see how desperate a situation we are in and need for the righteousness of Christ. Today, may the Lord open our hearts so we can see our great need for the righteousness of Christ and desire to run to Jesus, as a starving man longs for food. Then you are promised to be blessed and filled! Pastor Mark