Matthew 5: 6
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.”
In 1945, during the final months of World War II, when the Allies continued their push to liberate Europe and the rest of the world from Nazi tyranny, the Netherlands experienced what became known as The Hunger Winter. The Germans instituted a blockade that prevented all food supplies, as well as coal for heating fuel, from reaching the cities. Between 18,000 and 22,000 people died during the period of late 1944 to May 1945, most of whom were small children and older men. In some provinces there was nothing to eat but tulip bulbs and sugar beets. Not only did the citizens suffer from starvation, but they also experienced one of their coldest winters.
How thankful and blessed I am that I have never experienced hunger on that scale nor thirst equally as dire. Hunger and thirst are two of the most powerful forces in the human body. There are few physical sensations as compelling as an empty, growling stomach or a parched throat in need of water. Hunger and thirst drive us to take prompt and decisive action.
In John 6:35, Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” Jesus is referring to our spiritual appetite, a hunger and thirst that can only be satisfied in Christ and His righteousness—a satisfaction that can only be found in a growing, fruit-bearing relationship with Jesus:
• When we hunger, what does Jesus offer to us? The Bread of Life
• When we thirst, what does Jesus offer to us? Living water
• When we desire more righteousness, what does Jesus offer to us? Himself
Dear readers, during this month of thanksgiving, let us be reminded to thank Jesus for all the ways He meets our hungry and thirsty hearts.
Dear Righteous Father, we pray that You would cause us to be so hungry and thirsty that our satisfaction would only be found in You and Your righteousness. Fill us up to overflowing with more of You, dear God. We thank and praise You that You alone can satisfy. In the name of Your Son who is our Righteousness, we pray. Amen.
