Hunger and Thirst
Introduction – Coveting is a sin, but
there are things we should long for and seek after. Spiritual hunger is a good thing to have. In the first three Beatitudes, we see that
the teachings of Jesus correct the world’s claims that a good self-image is
important. In this fourth, we see Him
correct a misunderstanding that once you are saved, you do not need more
righteousness.
Hunger and Thirst - One catechism separated hunger (desire for food to sustain) and thirst (desire for drink to refresh), and certainly we have many examples of the Bread of Life and the Cup of the New Covenant, the Marriage Feast of the Lamb and the Fountain of Living Waters. Consider the nature of hunger – it focuses the attention, it hurts, it is only satisfied with food, it brings desperation and great risk-taking, it ‘falls to meat’ and causes even bitter foods to taste better. The nature of spiritual hunger for righteousness is a sweet longing (Psalm 42:1-2, Psalm 19:10); the nature of hunger after sin is bondage.
Righteousness – There is just one
righteousness to hunger for, although we can understand it in our imputed
righteousness and our implanted righteousness.
Imputed Righteousness – Our justification is
complete in Christ where we may claim the Lord Our Righteousness (Jer
23:6). We are complete in Christ (Col
2:10), and we are not permitted to attempt additions upon what God has done
(Gal 1:9).
Implanted Righteousness – This is our progressive,
ongoing sanctification that is the kind of righteousness seen (or not seen) by
those around us. We long for it (Rom
8:23).
In This Passage – Righteousness is blessed
(v 6), and then persecuted (v10). We
are to exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees (v20). The mercy, purity and peace of righteousness
is illustrated (vv21-48), and we are commanded to seek it (6:33), but not
without knowing the Lord (7:21-23).
Shall Be Filled – God’s ultimate pursuit is
His own glory, and we are created to that end.
God is most glorified in us when we find ourselves most satisfied (full)
in Him. Therefore, we can see that it
is natural for God to be merciful, gracious, and generous with His people. We can expect to be filled. (Matt 15:32,
John 6:37, Psalm 107:9, Is 44:3). The
filling now is only a foretaste. One
day we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:2-3). This hope purifies. It
makes us righteous.
Filled with Husks – There are certain
characteristics of those who do not hunger and thirst in this way.
Self-righteous – They are filled with the
food of their own self-righteousness.
This was the sin of the Jews (Rom 10:3) and the church in Laodecia (Rev
3:17).
Food of the World – They are filled with the
food that fills for a moment, but never forever. Esau sold his birthright for a pot of stew, and we are taught
that in this he was profane (Heb 12:16).
In their foolish pursuits, they reject the invitation to a real feast
(Luke 14:18).
Are You Hungry? – There is hope, for these
desires are great evidence that you are a Christian. The character of a godly man is that he hungers for righteousness
(Is 26:9, Ps 73:25). A hypocrite only
longs for heaven, not for righteousness, not for Christ. In your hunger, take heart – your High
Priest is merciful – “A bruised reed He will not break” (Matt 12:20).
Don’t Ruin Your Appetite – God put eternity in our
hearts (Ecc 3:11). That void cannot be
filled by anyone but the Lord. But we
try to fill it with lawful and unlawful activities – vacations, video games,
the cinema, drugs, sex. We even try to
fill it with sweet-talking religion (Ez 33:30-32).
Free Food – Jesus and all His righteousness is offered
to you freely (Is 55:1-3). Don’t reject
the Fountain of Living Waters for broken cisterns (Jer 2:12-13). He has promised food for the hungry.