Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6

Those who honestly look upon themselves in the mirror of God's law will see that they are unrighteous and unholy by God's standard. The Bible tells us that "all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). But, for the sake of the shed blood of Messiah Jesus, we sinners are made acceptable in God's eyes -- all our sins are washed away in Jesus' blood and God counts us righteous through faith in Him! Cf. Ephesians 1:6-7; Colossians 1:19-23; Romans 3:21-28; 4:5.

One of the marks of a true believer in Christ Jesus is the desire to be like Him. John writes: "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure" (1 John 3:2-3).

A true believer trusts in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of his sins and to be counted righteous in God's eyes; but a fruit of such faith is the desire to live a righteous and holy life for Jesus while awaiting His return (cf. Romans 6:1ff.; 2 Corinthians 5:15-17; Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 3:1-21). Indeed, one who knows of his own sinfulness and utter failing to live according to God's holy will and who also knows and trusts in Jesus Christ as His Savior will also hunger and thirst after righteousness.

And such are blessed because "they shall be filled." Through faith in Jesus and His atoning sacrifice on the cross, they are already accounted perfectly righteous and holy in God's eyes. And, during this earthly life, the Holy Spirit is at work transforming those who trust in Christ into His image, giving them a desire to live for Christ Jesus and keep His commandments (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:4ff.). But, as true believers also know, we will not be entirely free of sin until we are with our Savior in heaven. Then, we will finally be like Him and see Him as He is.

As the Scriptures say, "As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness" (Psalm 17:15). Then, indeed, we "shall be filled."

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for bearing upon the cross the full and just punishment for my sins and winning for me God's pardon and peace. Thank You for counting me to be righteous in Your sight for the sake of Jesus' shed blood. By Your gracious Spirit, give me also a hunger and thirst for righteousness, and grant that this hunger and thirst be satisfied both now and hereafter in eternity. Amen.

Community on 06/24/2015