Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:6 NIV
Hunger is a basic human need. It is a physical sensation that signals our body’s need for nourishment. But there is another type of hunger – a spiritual hunger that is a desire for something deeper and more meaningful. This type of hunger is often described as a thirst or a longing that can only be satisfied by something beyond the physical realm. In Matthew 5:6, we are introduced to this type of hunger – a hunger for righteousness or a desire to be closer to God. I invite you to come along even as we study this particular kingdom lifestyle together.
The first issue I would like to point out is that a hungry man is first and foremost a man that is a living man. Since physical hunger would require you to be physically alive, the same is true of the spiritual. Therefore, to hunger for righteousness, one must be spiritually alive. Let us consider the words of the Lord Jesus to Nicodemus.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
John 3:6 NKJV
So, we can see that unless a man is spiritually alive, his hunger remains that of the flesh. The sinful nature cannot desire righteousness and vice-versa. Therefore, the first point of consideration is a question on your spiritual life. Are you spiritually alive? “…Most assuredly, I say unto you, unless one is born again,” (John 3:3) he cannot hunger for righteousness. But if you are spiritually alive indeed, then this becomes inevitable.
Spiritual Hunger for Spiritual Survival
God, you are my God. I want to be near to you. I need you to give me life, like a thirsty person in a dry desert. As a person needs water to live, that is how I need you.
Psalms 63:1 EASY
The words of the Psalmist in this verse shows a deep and desperate longing and dependency on God. He expresses a strong need for God’s presence and life-giving sustenance, using the metaphor of a thirsty person in a dry desert who needs water to survive. The words “want” and “need” convey a sense of urgency and desperation. It indicates that the desire for God is not just a passing whim, but fundamental aspect of living.
As food and water is necessary to keep the flesh in shape and alive, so also is righteousness to the spirit. The desire for righteousness is one of the believer’s indicator that they are alive. Consequently, when there’s no desire to what God requires, it is sign of spiritual death.
So, Jesus says that those who live in this way shall be richly blessed, because they shall be fully satisfied, and not wanting anything else.
Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully!
Matthew 5:6 GNT
