“I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!”  How many times in your life have you heard that phrase?  I know I have probably said it a number of times.  At other times we ask one another what you are hungry for.  We may even respond that we “have a hankering for” something in particular.  This is all well and good, but Jesus has given us insight into a different hunger and a different thirst.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled.”  I’ll let it stand that you know what hunger and thirst are and move on to righteousness.  Simply stated it means that one is in a “right standing” with God.  We are able to be in His presence without guilt of our sins being charged against us.  The only way that can happen though is through the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ by following those things that lead us to it.  God is Holy and as such, cannot be in the company of sin or those whose sins are not atoned for, thanks be to God for His Son’s selfless and cleansing sacrifice! 

But if we investigate thoroughly what Jesus speaks of, we see that we will be filled with righteousness only if we “hunger and thirst” for it!  Friends, we cannot overlook this great truth!  Many today are “nibblers” or approach seeking righteousness in “moderation”.  We must be voracious in our appetite to seek the blessing of righteousness or we may not receive the blessing of finding a place in the company of God.  Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:20 “…unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.”  Look closely!  The blessed are those who are filled with righteousness.  Those who are filled are those who “hunger and thirst”!  Honestly ask yourself now, do you hunger and thirst for righteousness?

Copyright © 2002, Nolan P. Rutter