Hungry

 May 8, 2021

Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount begins with what have been called the Beatitudes, nine blessings pronounced upon people who exhibit certain qualities of life. The first three declare a blessing on what appear to be rather passive characteristics—those who are poor (“in spirit” Matthew says; Luke simply says “poor.”), those who mourn, and those who are meek. None of these three characteristics is particularly active; they seem more receptive. But as he pronounces the fourth blessing, Jesus suddenly shifts gears, saying, “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Instead of a kind of passivity, Jesus here encourages an active and aggressive search for righteousness. Where the first three are perhaps gifts bestowed upon those receptive to them, this beatitude requires action, fortitude, and energy. 

We choose to pursue righteousness...or not. It is not something that can be granted to just anyone. The person who chooses hatred, jealousy, bitterness, greed, or lust cannot at the same time choose righteousness, and is by virtue of his choice, incapable of receiving it.

Jesus uses an interesting and most appropriate word in describing the consequence of seeking righteousness: “filled.” If I fill my heart and mind with unrighteousness, by definition, there is no room for righteousness. Love and hate cannot fill the same heart at the same time. Likewise greed and generosity, lust and purity. If I fill my soul with the poisonous junk food of this world, I’ll never develop an appetite nor a hunger for the things of God. And like junk food, the ways of this world give an immediate kick, a high, but it doesn’t last. They are empty spiritual calories that only serve to ultimately render us incapable of living the life God intended us to live. 

Once again, Scripture comes alive, for which I am thankful tonight.