Hungry and Thirsty

[Jesus said] “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6 ESV).

 

In the animal kingdom one of the greatest drives of any creature is the need for food and water. In fact, one of the easiest ways to find wildlife is to find a good source of preferred food. In the case of whitetail deer in areas where there are lots of hardwoods, that place might be a large stand of acorn producing oaks. In the case of water, deer prefer a source where there is ample cover for protection as well as a calm water surface from which to drink. It is one of the essentials of life.

 

In our reading today Jesus is making the point that we need to make our desire to live righteously just as much as a priority as we do food and water. He uses the word “hunger” to emphasize the importance of this way of life. Many of us are hungry; however, it is not always for the things of God. Sometimes we hunger for approval. Children want their parents to tell them they are proud of their accomplishments. We want our employer’s stamp of approval on our work. We want our friends to think we are good enough for them. Deep down, this longing for acceptance comes from a longing to be found right in God’s eyes. We are hungry for righteousness.

 

Sadly, we often try to satisfy our hunger by gorging on junk food. We want approval from others so badly that we’re willing to compromise our convictions. We want to prove ourselves through our job so badly that we burn out on our career, sacrificing our family and our health. We want so badly to be morally acceptable that we build our lives on a system of rules, looking down on others and sinking into despair when even we don’t measure up. These foods cannot satisfy our hunger for true righteousness.

 

Later in his ministry, Jesus illustrates how he satisfies hungry hearts. “I am the bread of life,” he says. “Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). Jesus offers us his own righteousness, and God credits us with it (even though we don’t deserve it) so that we can enjoy the acceptance and approval we long for. (cf. Romans 3:21-26; 5:6-11). Seek the right “food” and you will be satisfied!