Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5: 6, NKJV).
Father in heaven, we come to you and ask that Your Word will strengthen us; and enable us to do Your will. We claim this strength in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Today we come upon another link in the Happiness Code that also seems to be related to the first beatitude. The first beatitude was about the poor in spirit; the second which is obviously a continuation of the first speaks of those who mourn; and today we find those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. These three links (beatitudes) show a progression. The poor in spirit mourn over their spiritual poverty and they hunger and thirst for righteousness. The sorrow over their spiritual condition produces a need.
I believe that everyone has at one time or another experienced hunger. Our first reaction is to seek food. The need for water is even greater. It is almost unbearable. We can live longer without food than we can without water. But without both food and water we will eventually die. So God supplies our spiritual bread and water that we might live – not for a time, but for eternity.
When speaking to the woman at the well Jesus promised her water that would quench her thirst in such a way that she would never be thirsty again! The entire human race stand in need of that living water. Many people go out and “shop till they drop.” They arrive at home with full bags but empty hearts because what they are really seeking is not to be found in stores. He cannot be bought or sold. Many travel around the world and return full of experiences but void of meaningful relationships, because what they really need is not to be found in the places they visit but in a Person. His name is Jesus! Many work long hours and have a lot of money, but are spiritual and emotional paupers, for what they really want is priceless – He is the Pearl of Great Price!
But those who are hungering and thirsting for righteousness will be filled – for they will find what they seek in Jesus. He is the only One whose righteousness brings satisfaction for He is the only righteous One. He is who we really need to make our lives complete. There are many seekers after many things, but they who seek and find the Son find life (1 John 5:12)! Happy Are They!