“Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied. Matthew 5:6 AMP
The Context and Focus:
The sermon of Jesus on the mountain continues in the verse above, and the fourth category of people are those who are 'hungry and thirsty for righteousness. There is a need to also break down what these emotions or desires are, so we can understand how they relate to the kingdom of God. It has to be again emphasized that the desire of God is for all of us to make it to heaven. We will all have different experiences, and we will walk on different paths, but all of them must lead to eternal life with God. If my current pursuits and priorities do not align with God's will, it is not likely that they will get me God's promises. One definition for hungry is 'having a strong desire or craving'. One definition for thirsty is 'having or showing a strong desire for something'. At least one common thread links both, and it is 'a strong desire'. This means that the person being addressed here is not someone who us content with the status quo, or who just takes life as it comes, but goes after that which is required for the life that God has called him/her to. Does this describe me in any way? Does it describe you?
The Message:
Of course, the verse above also defines what must be the pursuit. It will amount to foolishness if you find a man who is just running, but cannot articulate where he is going, or what he is running after. Whether we admit it or not, all of us in this earthly phase are running after something. By our current actions or reactions, we are actually headed in only one of two eternal destinations, which are eternal life with God, or eternal separation away from God. There is no middle ground, or a place in between both. Nowhere in the bible does God mention such a place. If God has made quite clear what he wants, as well as what he offers us, we owe it to our eternity to consider very carefully what God says, and take him seriously. Righteousness is defined as 'the quality of being right in the eyes of God, including character (nature), conscience (attitude), conduct (action), and command (word). Do we see that there is no way to achieve that which God commands without His help? I cannot attain righteousness by labour or striving, but if I can only rely on the God who makes a man right with Him, then I can achieve all that has been commanded in the verse above.
The Conclusion:
As always, God does not force Himself on anyone, but if I come to Him, he will not cast me away. The verse refers to those who have this hunger and thirst as people who are blessed by God. They are nourished by God's goodness, because they seek after that which pleases God. I cannot pursue after God and not get a taste of Him. The more of Him I get, the more of Him I wil crave. The more of Him I crave, the more of Him I know. This is why following God is a never-ending journey of discovery and awe. You don't get all of God; God has to own and hold of you, if you want to even begin to scratch the surface of who this God is. I have all of eternity to learn more about God, but while I am down here on earth, I will seek after him like the deer pants for water. If I seek Him the right way, the promise is that I will be completely satisfied. That is the extra God gives. As I cannot take only one meal or drink for the whole of my life, so must I not be content with weekly, monthly or yearly appointments with God. It has to be daily and regular, and as I do so, the faithful God will play his part. What are you waiting for? God's time of favour is here.
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