In a world that often equates blessing with material success, perfect relationships, and Instagram-worthy moments, we’re challenged to reconsider what it truly means to be blessed. The concept of blessing, as presented in the Beatitudes, turns our expectations upside down and invites us to see God’s favor through a radically different lens.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” This powerful statement from the Sermon on the Mount confronts our conventional understanding of blessing and satisfaction. But what does it really mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness?
To grasp the depth of this hunger, consider the story of Sandy Robertson, an 11-year-old boy who, in 1971, embarked on a round-the-world sailing adventure with his family. Their journey took a dramatic turn when their yacht sank 200 miles from the nearest land, leaving them stranded on an inflatable raft for 15 harrowing days. Sandy later recounted that he had never known true hunger or thirst until that moment of desperation.
This visceral, life-threatening hunger serves as a poignant metaphor for the spiritual hunger we’re called to cultivate. It’s not about skipping a meal or two; it’s about a deep, consuming desire for righteousness and justice that permeates every aspect of our being.
Interestingly, the Greek word used for “blessed” in this context is “makarios” – a term that doesn’t quite translate perfectly into English. It’s an everyday word, more akin to “congratulations” or “good news” than a lofty, spiritual concept. This choice of words is significant because it grounds the idea of blessing in the tangible, everyday experiences of life.
But here’s where things get truly revolutionary: the people Jesus pronounces as blessed are not those we might expect. He’s not speaking to the wealthy, the powerful, or the seemingly perfect. Instead, He’s addressing a diverse crowd of individuals from various backgrounds, many of whom were sick, oppressed, and suffering injustice.
This flies in the face of conventional wisdom, both then and now. In Jesus’ time, a popular rabbi named Jesus Ben Sirach taught that blessings belonged to those who found joy in their children, lived to see their enemies’ downfall, and possessed wisdom. It was a blessing reserved for the successful, the educated, and those of high status.
Jesus, however, flips this notion on its head. He gives worth to the worthless, dignity to the despised, and opens the doors of the kingdom to the unlovely and unlikable. Why? Because these are the people who are ready to receive. Their hands are empty and open, prepared to grasp the new life God offers.
It’s not that God prefers the poor and broken; rather, the poor and broken are often more ready to receive what God has to offer. Those of us with much in our hands often find it harder to open them and receive from God. Remember the rich young ruler who went away sad because he couldn’t bring himself to give up his wealth?
So what does this mean for us? It’s a call to live differently, to value people differently, to react differently. It’s an invitation to reassess our approach to work, money, relationships, and happiness. Jesus isn’t offering a checklist religion where we can tick off boxes and feel satisfied. He’s asking for everything.
This hunger for righteousness isn’t about being content with where we are spiritually. It’s about recognizing our constant need to be remade in the image of Christ. It’s about being desperate for justice, hungry for right living with others, and earnestly seeking to live God’s way.
Consider the Samaritan woman at the well. An outsider, rejected by her own community due to her string of failed relationships, she encountered Jesus and was offered “living water.” In a beautiful twist, Jesus chose to reveal Himself as the Messiah to her first – not to His disciples or followers, but to this marginalized woman. Her response? She ran back to her village, unashamed, inviting everyone to meet the man who knew everything about her.
This story exemplifies the blessing available to those the world might consider outside of God’s favor. It reminds us that God’s blessing often comes in unexpected packages and to unexpected people.
So how do we cultivate this hunger for righteousness in our own lives? It starts with prayer – seeking God’s righteousness not just in our personal lives, but in our relationships, neighborhoods, and even our country. It involves bringing the good news to those around us, wherever we are. And most importantly, it’s about embarking on a lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus.
This isn’t about a one-time act of faith. It’s about developing an ongoing, deepening relationship with God. For those who have been following Jesus for years, the challenge is to maintain that hunger and desperation for righteousness. For those new to faith or feeling disillusioned, the blessing of knowing God personally is still available.
Practical steps to nurture this hunger include:
- Spending quality time in prayer
- Valuing and studying the Bible
- Practicing generosity towards others
- Setting aside time for solitude with God
- Actively participating in a faith community
- Serving others and sharing the good news of Jesus
Remember, Jesus isn’t commanding us to be hungry and thirsty for righteousness. Rather, He’s pronouncing a blessing on those who find themselves in that state. It’s an invitation to growth, to maturity, and to a deeper understanding of what it means to live in God’s kingdom.
In a world that often leaves us feeling empty and unfulfilled, this teaching offers a profound promise: those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. It’s a filling that goes beyond temporary satisfaction, reaching into the depths of our souls and transforming us from the inside out.
As we navigate life’s challenges and joys, may we cultivate this holy hunger. May we recognize the blessings that come in unexpected forms and to unexpected people. And may we always remain open to the transformative power of God’s righteousness in our lives and in our world.
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