By Christopher Dryden
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Matthew 5:16 ESVUK
Appetite. Whether in the food and drink we consume or the desires of our hearts expressed in what we pursue, our appetites say a lot about us – our health and well-being and what matters to us. In pursuing that which will give satisfaction, we go to great lengths, spending a considerable amount of money, time, and energy. True satisfaction, however, eludes many.
Matthew outlines Jesus’ primary teaching with a summary of the blessed ones. The happy ones are marked by characteristics that wouldn’t usually mark out those who are happy in the eyes of the world – poor in spirit, mourning, meek, merciful, pure in heart and peacemakers. Among the list is an intriguing quality of person – those who hunger and thirst after righteousness.
There is a sense in which we all have an idea of what’s not right – of what’s unfair. When mistreated or others tell lies about us, we can develop that desire for what’s right.
What Jesus refers to in this instance, though, is a desire for something greater. Not just the pursuit of what’s right in our eyes, but the pursuit of what’s right in God’s eyes. Not just what’s right when it comes to the immediate and the personal, but what’s right in God’s scheme of things.
That sort of appetite is not concerned with selfish ambition and self-preservation. That sort of appetite acknowledges God, who cares for the poor and needy and expects them to be treated fairly. That sort of appetite acknowledges God, who cares for the lonely and outcast and expects them to be treated fairly. That sort of appetite acknowledges God, who cares for the sick and broken and expects them to be treated fairly.
That sort of appetite is not content with platitudes and sentiments; it won’t settle for a particular day here or a special event there to get people to “do their bit for charity”. That sort of appetite understands that what’s right in God’s sight is right all the time and is right through all our beliefs and behaviours.
Jesus showed that sort of appetite in an earthly ministry that sought to serve rather than be served. His approach embraced the stranger, the sick, the social outcast, or the simply frustrated—He thrived in serving them to display His Father's rule. He thrived on showing others that this rule was shown in peace and joy based on doing and being everything pleasing to God—that’s what righteousness is all about.
Jesus’ teaching establishes and enforces a significant truth – to find true fulfilment in life, it must be based on that sort of appetite – the desire for what’s right, the appetite to do and be everything pleasing to God. Nothing else will ever satisfy.
Everything this world pushes – even seemingly noble causes – won’t bring true satisfaction. Those who follow Jesus are encouraged to check their appetite regularly. Check if it is in line with what God requires. Check if it leads to what makes for joy and peace. Failure to do this will only lead to being starved of what will truly satisfy. Check if you have that sort of appetite.
Ask: What does Jesus mean by those who hunger and thirst after righteousness?
Seek: How does your life reflect this kind of appetite? How would you explain to yourself and others how your appetite has changed since encountering Jesus?
Knock: List four ways in which we can express the appetite for righteousness and commit to how you will, by God’s grace, act on that appetite for the glory of God.
