Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Matthew 5:6
Just a few weeks ago, my wife and I went to our favorite steak house and ordered our favorite steak only to find out that they were out of it. Now, due to Covid-19, they have dropped it completely from their menu. Bummer. I mean, when you have your taste buds set for something not much else will do. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN?!
Jesus said, if you will hunger and thirst for the right thing you will have it; that is if your hunger and thirst is for righteousness you will filled. Jesus was not speaking of pulling up to the fast food restaurant (I use that word loosely); speak into a remote box; pull up to the window pay; get what you ordered; and be on your way. Jesus was speaking of a craving that could not be satisfied with “fast food.” Jesus was speaking of desiring the presence of the righteous God in one’s life to such and extent that nothing else will satisfy.
In another place in Scripture Jesus said:
“And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he asks for a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he shall ask for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?”
Luke 11:9-13
In two different ways Jesus spoke of receiving one’s desires from the Lord. The one was hungering and thirsting which speaks of craving until satisfied and the other speaks of asking, seeking, and knocking which speaks of effort to achieve one’s desires.
God’s gifts and blessings may be free but they are not cheap. Do we want to be filled will righteousness? If so, hunger and thirst for that which only God can give. Do we want to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Then we must ask, seek and knock. God will not withhold any good thing from those who love Him. Amen!
