THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY :

A Lot of Hungry People 

A few years ago, a popular television program chronicled the stories of six friends whose lives intertwined as they experienced the daily grind of being twenty-somethings.  Each show was filled with comedy, angst, compassion and moral support.  FRIENDS...we all want friends...someone who likes what we like, someone to listen to our problems, someone who makes us laugh, someone who spends time with us, someone who encourages us. Friendship even helps satisfy one of our basic needs, and gives us a sense of belonging.

However, have you ever had that one friend that is a bit selfish or narcissistic?  You know, they always want to talk about themselves, and THEIR problems and THEIR issues.  They always want to participate in THEIR activities, and THEIR ways and ideas are always best?  On the rare occasion that you want to lean on them, or confide in them, they may give you a brief minute or two, then they quickly compare how your situation relates to something they are going through, but of course, their situation was much worse, or more dramatic. Or perhaps, they only come around when they need something.   Yes, we have all had that one "friend" that fits this description.  Perhaps, as you read this, you may have even thought, "That fits so-and-so to a tee!"  Then, we take some time to be a bit self-righteous, and think, "I would never treat anyone this way. Friendship is a two way street.  I always try to be a good friend."

Think again.  Have you ever sung the hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," or "Oh, How I Love Jesus?"  And yet, when, (and if), we talk to Him, we just want to talk about ourselves, and OUR problems and OUR issues. We always want to participate in OUR activities, whether it be sleeping in, going fishing, shopping, working, or any other activity that we deem more important than doing the Lord's work. We think OUR ideas and OUR ways are best. We don't listen. Or perhaps, we only talk to Him when we need something. 

John 21:15-17 tells us of a time when Jesus was walking with his friend, Peter.

“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me more than these?’  ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘You know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’

Again Jesus said, ‘Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’

The third time He said to him, ‘Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things. You know that I love you.’ Jesus said. ‘Feed my sheep.’”

I am so thankful that Jesus is patient, kind and good. Even after all that He has done for us, and then, we just brush him aside, He still loves us. Yes, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," but...does Jesus have a friend in us?

Look around you. Do you know anyone who is hungry? Feed His sheep.

HAVE A GREAT THURSDAY!