"Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst For Righteousness,..."

In today's study, we continue with the Beattitudes of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 5:6 NIV

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

Let me start by saying with the invention of the Internet, social media, and cell phones, people waste so much time. Have you noticed how addicted people are to their cell phones? I see it all the time. Their "hunger and thirst" is misplaced. Anyone at anytime, Christians or not, can't get off their cell phones. I certainly will not change anything and people do what they do, but let me give you something to think about.

As Christians, what does the Bible say about how we use our time?

Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV

[15] Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Other versions say, "Redeem the time for the days are evil."

We only have so much time on this Earth, time we can never get back. Why waste it on things that do not matter from an eternal perspective?

Eternal perspective is things that will have an eternal impact, not a temporary one. Why do things that won't matter in a hundred years or a thousand years? Why waste time on a cell phone for example? Paul talks about this...

1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV

[23] “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 

See? He is saying don't waste time on things that are not beneficial or constructive. Okay, so how should Christians "redeem the time?" By making the most of every opportunity to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is the main function of the Church, to spread the gospel so others can be saved. 

Here Jesus is saying we will be happy when we "hunger and thirst" for spiritual matters, for God, and Him. We will be satisfied and "filled" because God will never let us down. He satisfies the desires of the heart, the longings of our souls. When we hunger and thirst for Him, when we pursue Him, then we will be satisfied with our lives. We will be happy. Through talking to Him in prayer and listening to Him as we study the Bible, we develop the eternal relationship with Him that He wants for us. At least that is what I am experiencing. 

So, turn off your phone or device. Stop wasting time, and spend time with God. Then He will use us to make an eternal impact in people's lives. Do what is beneficial, constructive, and eternal. Look here....

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV

[11] For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. [12] Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. [13] You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Job 11:13-19 NIV

[13] “Yet if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him, [14] if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, [15] then, free of fault, you will lift up your face; you will stand firm and without fear. [16] You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. [17] Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. [18] You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. [19] You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor.

Hosea 10:12 NIV

[12] Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.

Amos 5:4 NIV

[4] This is what the Lord says to Israel: “Seek me and live;

Zephaniah 2:3 NIV

[3] Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.

Matthew 6:33 NIV

[33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

[7] “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

James 4:8 NIV

[8] Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 

Psalms 105:4 NIV

[4] Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

Isaiah 55:6-7 NIV

[6] Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. [7] Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

See? Seek God. Hunger and thirst for building your relationship with Him, and you will be satisfied. This brings our happiness. Pursue Him and He will pursue you. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. 

Love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Then love all people as we love ourselves.

Love you dear readers,

Jeffrey Post