Hunger & Thirst for Righteousness

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matt 5:6)

How often have we suburban, diet-frenzied Americans glanced past this verse without truly grasping the lesson Jesus is trying to teach us? Is it possible for those of us who have never experienced near-death starvation and thirst to truly appreciate this verse? In Jesus' day there were people walking around who hadn't eaten a substantial meal in weeks and who, living in an arid, desert region, knew thirst for water like we will never appreciate.

Perhaps we would do well to spend a few days in the desert with no food and no water and then re-read this verse. Maybe then we will understand how deeply we are to desire and pursue the righteousness that only God can offer...