We all have needs. Recently I asked the following question to a group of persons outside of the US, “What is your biggest need in life?” The answers were varied, but a few included: education, money, food and medical attention. I then posed a second question, “What if I could bring a very wealthy man or woman to you and they would meet all of your need?” The group erupted with applause and responded with a brief conversation to the one seated beside them.   I could tell they were looking at me wondering if I would bring just such a person. I followed up with this question, “After your need is met, will you ever have another need and then desire to meet with this person once again?” Some could see where the line of questioning was headed.

A story Jesus told in Luke chapter 12 reveals there was a man who grew in wealth through his abundance of harvest. He decided to build bigger barns to store all his grain and goods. He looked over his situation and exclaimed, “’You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ His need was more than met, but the caution was eventually the grain would run out. If we are looking to a man, our employer, an inheritance, the lottery or some form of windfall, eventually we’ll be disappointed because it too will run out.

Two thousand years ago that “Man” did arrive to heal, to bring the good news of the gospel and to do more than meet needs. He was followed, worshipped, revered and looked to as a rescuer. But when He stopped meeting needs and willingly went to the cross for all mankind, those same followers rejected Him and cursed Him.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  (Matthew 6:33)