The Be-Attitudes - Part Iv Series

Matthew 5:6(NIV)

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, they will be filled.

What does it mean to "Hunger and Thirst?" Hunger and thirst really serve as the body’s notification system for critical systems. When we hunger or thirst, our body is letting us know of our critical needs:

Nourishment

Fluids

Vitamins

Energy

These warning signs of the body Intensify if they are ignored. If they are ignored, they will lead to greater trouble if not quenched. Malnutrition, weakness, dehydration and even death may be outcomes.

Spiritually when we hunger and thirst it is again an awareness of spritual deficiencies. Each of us has a great need for God’s presence in our lives. We can never have too much grace, mercy or love.

Psalm 42:2 (NLT)

I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and stand before him?

Psalm 143:5 (NLT)

I reach out for you. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

Let’s talk about having a righteous hunger. The righteousness that we seek is being acceptable in God’s sight. This righteousness is found only in Jesus. Being filled with this type of righteousness brings about obedience. Obedience is the outward manifestation of the heart’s desire. Our obedience and fellowship with God should be the primary desire of the heart. A desire for close fellowship with God should take precendence above physical nourishment or pleasure. Sadly many of us give more thought to our menu for the day, than our spiritual condition.

Look at how the CEV phrases Matthew 5:6

Matthew 5:6 (CEV)

God blesses those who want to obey Him more than to eat or drink. They will be given what they want!

Do you desire holiness above a good steak?

"Fill’r Up" Do you remember the days of full service gas stations? Those were the good old days, when pay at the pump meant you didn’t get out of your car, your window got washed and your fluids were checked. We really should be approaching God’s throne daily with the same thought..."Fill’r up!"

God’s supply is unlimited, there are no righteousness shortages. We are in constant need of filling. Quite frankly we leak. Giving of ourselves creates a need for greater resource. Trials and testing burn the spiritual oil. We were made to love God, His desire is for us to yearn for more of Him. God’s righteousness sustains us it is the source of all life.

Food and water digest and fade, but God’s righteousness remains constant.

Habakkuk 2:14 (NLT)

For the time will come when all the earth will be filled, as the waters fill the sea, with an awareness of the glory of the LORD.

Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

And He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

Anyone hungry?