Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness – and be satisfied
Blessed are Those who Hunger for Righteousness
This fourth beatitude is a turning point. The first three beatitudes were about recognizing our lost condition and our need for Jesus. He is the only answer because we are – 1) poor because before God, we don’t have what it takes, we need a savior; 2) mourning because we see our lost and sinful condition apart from Christ and how much it cost Jesus to redeem me; 3) meek because we see God did not give us what we deserved He gave us mercy and grace.
- Click here to read post on “blessed are the poor”
- Click here to read post on “blessed are those who mourn and those who are meek”
Desire for More of God
Once we put our faith in Christ, we should be moving forward to desiring more of God. Think of the apostle Paul writing in Philippians 3:10, “I want to know him, and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.” Paul writes this towards the end of his life, after years of service in ministry He wants to know Him more and more. He has an intense desire for the Lord.
Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness?
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6) The Message puts it this way: “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. To hunger and thirst signifies an intense desire. Jesus is not talking about an intense desire for water and food, but rather righteousness. To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to desire to be like Christ, who is the Righteous One.
What does Righteous Mean
Righteousness speaks of being right with God. The only way we are righteous is through Jesus. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2Cor. 5:21) So, to desire righteous is to desire Jesus.
You Will be Filled –(Satisfied)
Everyone wants to be satisfied. The problem is most try to fill their hunger and thirst with things of the world – more money, more pleasure, more power, etc. Those in Christ, understand true satisfaction only comes when we are filled with Christ. When we have intense desire for righteousness (more of Jesus) we experience true satisfaction. We have peace and joy. The blessings (promises of God) flow into our life because they have been purchase for us not because of anything we have done, but by the righteousness of Christ. Seek Him and you will be filled!
Summary
So, let’s focus on God, as we look to Him at all times and in all situations. continuously aware that He is present in every aspect of our lives. When we do, we will be satisfied. Are you hungering and thirsting for more of God?