Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
"Blessed..."
Isn't this what we all need and crave? To be recognised as living rightly; to know that despite difficulty, hardship and suffering we are known by God and he approves of us.
"...are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness..."
We all know what it is to hunger and thirst. It is a deep desire born out of the necessity for sustenance. We have these needs as physical beings. And we know that the craving can be intense, all-consuming(pardon the pun), demanding.
We know this physical desire... but hunger and thirst for righteousness? It must be said at this point that the text does not clearly place any boundaries around the righteousness so desired. It is personal right-living in relationship with God. It is a world transformed by a right-living humanity, reconciled to it's maker.
"Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven..." This is the visceral prayer of the hungry and thirsty in the words of this beatitude.
"Purify my heart, cleanse me from my sin and make me holy..." This is the craving of the blessed ones.
"..for they shall be satisfied."
The satisfaction of having thirst quenched, of having hunger satiated is something we can all identify with. And what a declaration this is! For those who deeply long to see the world and their hearts oriented to God rightly to be assured this will happen is simply thrilling.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
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