Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

Scripture: Matthew 5:6 (NRSVue)

The great Danish philosopher and theologian Soren Kierkegaard once said, “Man’s supreme perfection is to be in need of God.” This is The Great Reversal Jesus repeatedly talks about throughout his teachings: The unright are made right. The out are made in. Those who don’t have, will have. The last will be first. The greatest will be a servant of all. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” says Jesus, “for they will be filled.” Notice the righteous aren’t blessed here, it’s those who hunger and thirst for righteousness that are blessed. If God’s blessings came to only those who achieved righteousness, no one would be blessed. Jesus’ words are freeing. You can stop beating yourself up over your imperfections. Start asking for God’s righteousness, not your own. You don’t have to be a perfect cook to love food. You can be a bad cook and you can still love food. I’m the perfect example of that. But don’t be half-baked about your hunger for righteousness. Don’t be satisfied with partial goodness–go for the whole enchilada. Be all in. The word “filled” Jesus uses literally means “stuffed.” Hunger for the whole thing. Don’t just nibble–feast upon God’s righteousness and justice, knowing that the best is yet to come in the hereafter.

March 6, 2022 – Online Service Bulletin and Bible Study

All of our sermons are available in our Library of Sermons.

Sermon Art: “Cup and Knife” by Richard Diebenkorn 1964

Other Sermons In This Series

Blessed Are the Meek

February 27, 2022

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

March 27, 2022

Blessed Are the Pure in Heart

March 19, 2022