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Matthew 5:1-2, 6
Today’s lesson of the “Beatitudes” is,
“Blessed are those who hunger and
thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6, NKJV).
To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to be actively and knowingly aware of the value of the “Beatitudes” that we have spoken of in the previous lessons of this Bible study. To be poor in spirit, those who mourn, and the meek all exhibit the qualities that make up one who hungers and thirsts for righteousness, for that is the fulfillment of the Law in which was given – righteousness. The Bible teaches us that there is none righteous, no not one (Psalm 14:1-3, 53:1-3, Ecclesiastes 7:20). But to have understanding of where it is that we may gain righteousness is the beginning of this quest; taking the proper action to sincerely humble our hearts to God and believe in His gift to us in Christ Jesus – that He died for our sins and was then raised from the grave in victory over sin, death, and Satan is the path that leads to righteousness – in Christ Jesus. The Apostle Paul teaches us in Romans 5:17 (HCSB), “Since by the one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive the overflow of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.” The promise of this blessing… “For they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6, NKJV).
This is a promise of blessing for those who, “hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6, NKJV).
I believe that we all hunger and thirst for righteousness; it’s just the means by which we seek righteousness that makes all the difference. We get caught up in chasing after our own righteousness, which we can obtain through our own accomplishments and the praises we receive from others for them. But this righteousness fades quickly and we are left feeling empty with the need to gain more accomplishments in an attempt to fill the place in our hearts where God’s righteousness is the only cure – the only lasting fulfillment for our souls. This comes through a focus that changes from ourselves and our goals to God and His goals for us. It only comes through dying to self and putting on Christ Jesus and accepting the fact that we need Him in our hearts to help us in the daily struggle of life on earth. Jesus declares in Matthew 16:25 (NIV), “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”
Dear LORD,
We all seek righteousness, but we have a tendency to get caught up in seeking righteousness that is self-centered, focusing only on personal gain in this earthly world. Please open our eyes so that we may see the need for Your righteousness – the only righteousness that truly is righteousness as we live in a sinful world and are not capable of obtaining righteousness on our own. It is simply a chasing after the wind. But the righteousness of Christ Jesus has been established through His sinless life, sinless death, and victorious resurrection. Jesus conquered the grave – He conquered sin – He conquered death and Satan once for all (Romans 6:10). And the most blessed part is that He offers His victory and righteousness to us if we will stop being self-centered and start being Christ-centered. To hunger and thirst for righteousness is a passion of everyone; please help us to see that true righteousness that leads to life and fulfillment of our hearts and souls only comes through giving up ourselves and believing in the saving righteous power of Jesus. In Jesus name I pray, amen.