Elderly Rohingya slicing a fish for his meal. (Photo by Arfat Khan)
FEEDING THE WORLD’S HUNGRY –
I’ve been talking a lot about hunger lately in the emails to my list—the physical hunger of the Rohingyas and the hunger of Afghani girls to learn. We’ve also talked about the deep desire of individuals who want to help feed that hunger.
A man with a big heart took the risk of running a travelling school to teach children in his country of Afghanistan. And I am getting to know Rohingya refugees who are doing their best to improve conditions for their people by reaching out to the world with their photos and writings.
We who follow Christ will understand the following reflection. But I believe that those of other faiths will understand as well, in their own way.
One of my Rohingya friends works hard to help his people uphold their faith in the midst of great trials. He wrote:
“I believe in Allah and follow the religion of Islam. I strive to live according to the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), embracing kindness, patience, and honesty. My faith provides me with strength, both in times of ease and hardship.”
Muslim people see Jesus as one of their Prophets. This is the same Jesus we know. And it’s good to know that Jesus and his unconditional love came for us all—no matter who we are, where we’re from, or how we worship.
WHEN THE HUNGRY ARE FED
“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.” Matthew 5:6 (The Message)
In other words, being hungry for God is a good kind of hunger. Because he will help you fill that hunger with spiritual food and the desire to work for him.
Have you ever seen something that was so wrong that you wish you could do something to change it? And have you ever gone a step further and wondered what could be done? . . . and whether you could help do it? Many individuals have an intense desire to make right the things that are wrong. They “hunger and thirst” for it. When these individuals follow through and make changes, they can cause amazing things to happen.
Jesus tells us that our hunger for righteousness will be filled. Our hunger and thirst for what is right and good will be satisfied. Such a hunger—such a passion—can make life worth living. It can give us a reason for living—a healthy purpose to have.
Many followers of Jesus from the past have taken action, working to correct what was wrong in their world. Tom Minnery, author of Why You Can’t Stay Silent tells us why those who follow Christ have taken a special interest. He wrote:
“The fact is, when hearts are changed by the gospel, sometimes those hearts begin to beat in new rhythms. These are the people who, renewed in Christ, begin to see with fresh eyes what is wrong, because the gospel has taught them what is right. They are the ones who cannot ignore what is happening around them, the ones who stand up and say, ‘Somebody has to do something!”
One example of a follower of Christ who made big changes was 19th century English Member of Parliament William Wilberforce. Wilberforce worked for 20 years to persuade his fellow lawmakers to outlaw Britain’s slave trade. He fought tirelessly, in spite of multiple defeats, and poor health. The law he brought about was finally passed, three days before his death.
Listen to Wilberforce’s determination as he wrote: “If to be feelingly alive to the suffering of my fellow-creatures is to be a fanatic, I am one of the most incurable fanatics ever to be at large.” In an interesting choice of words, he expresses his compassion for whom he’s fighting.
Our hunger to see good replace bad can be a marvelous thing. It could help us make much-needed changes in the world we live in. As Jesus said, it will bring satisfaction. But I can see another benefit. Changing things for the better will give us a sense of peace, knowing that what was wrong has found healing.
marja
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