Sermon on the Mount, Day 6 of 40: Those Who Hunger and Thirst

Matthew 5: 6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessedness comes to those who desire righteousness.  Most people, if asked, would reply that, yes, they hunger and thirst for righteousness. But the Greek words that are used for hunger and thirst are words that indicate a complete and absolute hunger and a complete and absolute thirst for a spiritual righteousness that completely fills one's heart and soul; a desire for righteousness that is all consuming.

I think that people do not fully understand the concept of righteousness; that people are not prepared for the sacrifices that righteousness demands.  The word used for righteousness is defined as a state of being that is acceptable to God.  The poor in spirit and those who mourn (as defined in previous posts) know that a state of being that is acceptable to God is impossible to achieve except through Christ.  Those with an all-consuming desire for righteousness must also desire Christ.

Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled, not through their own efforts but by the grace and mercy of God.

Tomorrow we study the merciful.