Hunger and Thirst

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.” (Matt. 5:6)

INTRODUCTION:

Our basic desires demand satisfaction. If we hunger and thirst and do not receive satisfaction, we will die. If we don’t desire what is good for us – if we don’t eat and drink – or if we desire the wrong things – like junk food instead of real nutrition – we will still die. This applies to the spiritual realm, as well. “Man shall not live by bread alone.” (Matt. 4:4)

WHAT DOES IT MEAN “TO HUNGER AND THIRST”?

Intense spiritual yearning and longing for God and his righteousness; this is a matter of life and death (Ps. 42:1) (Matt. 6:33).

If you really want to go to heaven, if you really want to be part of his kingdom, you must want it desperately (Matt. 11:12; Matt. 13:45-46).

The indifferent and the half-hearted will be cast out (Rev. 3:16). So nominal Christians beware!

WHAT DOES “RIGHTEOUSNESS” MEAN?

It refers to the righteousness of Christ which covers us (1 Cor 1: 30; Phil. 3:8, 9; Isa. 61:10).

It refers to the righteousness which the Holy Spirit produces in us (Mic. 6:8; Phil. 1:11; Gal. 5:22, 23)

It refers to the righteousness which God will execute on earth someday for us (Jer. 23:5; Rom. 12:19).

Righteousness is about right relationships. God will make our relationship with him right, he will make our relationship with others right, and someday he will make our relationship to the whole world right.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT “THEY SHALL BE FILLED”or satisfied ?

Based on John 4:13, 14 the satisfaction God gives has to do with the experience of salvation and eternal life.

Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be completely justified (Rom. 8:1). No condemnation!

They will be completely sanctified (Heb. 12:23). Perfect holiness!

They will be completely vindicated (Rev. 6:9,10; 2 Thess. 1:5-10). The world will be made right, all wrongs avenged, and justice will prevail at last!

APPLICATION:

How intensely do we hunger and thirst after God’s righteousness?

Have we experienced the satisfaction that comes from God alone?

PRAYER:

Lord, help us to desire your righteousness instead of the things of this world. Please satisfy us with yourself. Amen.

(Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash)