Jesus was a revolutionary teacher, not just for his day, but for all time. 2,000 years ago in Israel, Jesus preached the famous ‘Sermon on the Mount’ (Matt 5), this sermon, along with many other teachings, enraged the religious leaders of his day. Even today this message is still relevant , the words in this sermon are in direct contrast to the various ways of life our world promotes. Further to that, this message is totally opposite to the selfish, prideful, sinful heart of man that has been present since the Fall. I could spend much time writing and talking about how the various beatitudes individually stand in stark contrast to the way of the world, however, I will share the one that is particularly on my heart.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.”
My previous post laid out the idea that we are hungry and thirsty people, and here in Matthew 5:6 we see the very thing we ought to be hungering and thirsting for. I thought it would be helpful to understand what it means to ‘hunger and thirst after righteousness’, and also, why this is so relevant and important for us today.
What is righteousness?
When I really thought about it, I wasn't sure what ‘righteousness’ exactly was. I knew in essence what it was, but it wasn’t something I could precisely sum up in a few words. So I spoke to some wonderful people about what they thought righteousness was. “Righteousness is right standing with God, Always.” “It’s something given by Him.” “It’s being in the right relationship with God.” These are certainly helpful pointers in the right direction. The Bible makes it clear righteousness is something we can never obtain on our own, why? Because it was something Christ gave us when he died as a sacrifice for our sins, 2 Corinthians 5:21 - “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” And also, righteousness is also something to do with having a living relationship with God, Romans 1:17 - “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed--a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’ ” See, on the cross, Jesus took on every wrong thing we have done and will do, and by taking on our human nature he gave us the opportunity to be clothed in his perfect righteousness, so that when we come before God on this earth and on Judgement Day, he sees us as he would see Jesus - ready and able to partake in a living, breathing, tangible relationship. Jesus has paid the debt, He is our ‘righteousness’.
How do I pursue something I have been given?
There are two ways to look at righteousness, one is the part of righteousness that justifies us before the throne of God, this can’t be pursued, because it is a gift. However, while I live on earth, among sin and temptation, I find myself not living as I should - the fact I am eternally justified through Christ’s righteousness doesn't mean that I live a perfect life. So still, we have to strive to be made more like Jesus, we have to chase after righteousness. In reality, this is really just chasing after the ways of Jesus, i.e. living like him. Our lives are not our own, but rather opportunities to reflect and show the glory and ways of God as realities to those around us, so we will find no greater joy or satisfaction than in walking with God and pursuing His righteousness.
In this festive season, when the fact that the living God came to restore our broken relationship with Himself is covered over with tinsel, presents and christmas turkeys, I’m taking a moment to remember where true satisfaction is from. For me, hungering and thirsting after righteousness strikes a chord, and so with all the gifts around me, I will seek God to fill me up with true joy and satisfaction rather than counting on the ‘Christmas Spirit’ to bring me a sense of fulfilment.
This holiday, lets do as Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” If we want to see the reality of God in our lives, changing us and motivating us towards Godliness, let us seek his heart and his righteousness, let him work through us and fill us daily with his grace and mercy, bringing us closer to his heart. Seeking God will bring far more satisfaction to our hunger and thirst than any gift this Christmas, I know this, yet so often I don’t act like I do. Today, let us fall at the foot of the cross, looking to Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who is the only one who can bring us fullness of joy both in this Christmas and forever in our walk with God. Oh, and Merry Christmas!
Matthew 5
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
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