Disciples Value a “hunger and thirst’ For Righteousness
Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
~ Jesus
It’s not always easy to grasp the meaning of Jesus’ words, phrases, and teachings. That said, we do not have permission to place our own slant on His teachings and then apply them to ourselves or others as if that is what Jesus taught.
To understand what hunger and thirst for righteousness means, we need to know what Jesus means by righteousness. What did He mean while talking to a crowd of ordinary Jewish people interested in God but without theological training? It would seem evident that He is not describing a mere outward righteousness, something He blasted the Pharisees for, calling them whitewashed tombs (Matthew 23:27-28).
Matthew 23:27-28
27 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. 28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
Over the next week, we dig into the Bible’s meaning of righteousness that Jesus looked. Let's pray that God blesses our IMMERSION study on this topic of hungering and thirsting for righteousness.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, You are called the Righteous One, and yet You became unrighteous so that we could become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). I ask that You teach me the meaning of blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. I look forward to Your Spirit's guidance throughout this week. I pray in Your name. Amen.
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
An explanation of the connection between Psalm 119 and the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet was provided in a previous devotion.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 119:81-88 (Kaph, 11th letter)
כ
- My soul faints with longing for your salvation
but I have put my hope in your word. - My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, “When will you comfort me?” - Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget your decrees. - How long must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors? - The arrogant dig pits to trap me,
contrary to your law. - All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.
- They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts. - In your unfailing love preserve my life,
that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.
Micro-Meditation Action
Read the verses of the Psalm two times. Focus on what you see differently on the second reading.
Mark any words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: Talk (or write in a journal) with God about the words that catch your attention. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
Kaph’s meaning includes a cupped hand, like a container ready to receive. Can you imagine the writer, with this symbol in mind, yearning to receive from the Lord?