Promise:
Hunger and thirsting for righteousness is a basic need that only God can satisfy
Passage:
Are you familiar with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? This widely-referenced psychological theory categorizes human needs into a five-tier pyramid beginning with physiological needs like air to breathe up through shelter, belonging, esteem, and finally self-actualization.
Although its accuracy and applicability can be debated, there is some inherent logic to the hierarchy. It is common for someone to risk their safety or place in society, if they are hungry enough. The Isrealities in the wilderness regularly grumbled about the food and access to water. Even today, it is hard for someone to focus on self-improvement if they lack a dry and safe place to live.
At the bottom of the pyramid are basic human needs for food and water. In what is called today the “sermon on the mount” Jesus told his followers that that there is a different kind of hunger and thirst that when satisfied makes people truly happy. See some different translations of Matthew 5:6 below:
NIV: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
NLT: God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
BibleProject Translation: How good is life for those who hunger and thirst for right relationships, because they will be satisfied.
According to the Bible Project (highly recommend their work), our English term “righteousness” comes from the Hebrew word tzedakah and the Greek word dikaiosune. Both terms carry with them weighty ideas like justice, generosity, and honesty. Characteristics of relating with others and with God.
So, in some ways, God has turned Maslow’s pyramid upside down or inside out. In the beginning, going back to the garden of Eden, was a relationship with God and others which was righteous. It began there. The fall brought toil and struggle where now hunger and thirst would be common. So, much so that in the teaching immediately following these beatitudes, Jesus addresses physical needs.
Keeping with the BibleProejct Translation, in Matthew 6:31-33 Jesus says:
So then, don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the nations, they constantly seek for all these things, and your Father in the skies knows that you need all that. Rather, first of all seek for his kingdom and doing-what-is-right by him, and all these things will be added to you.
Perhaps your job search has got you worried at the bottom of Maslow’s pyramid. What you will eat, what you will wear, and where you will live? Perhaps bills are piling up and the situation feels hopeless. That is a normal response that Jesus expected of his listeners on a hillside in Galilee thousands of years ago, so you are not surprising Him now. He has a word for you today.
A word about justice, generosity, and honesty. A word about relating with others in a way that glorifies God. A word about relating with God in a way that points people to Him.
Practice:
Go to a quiet place where you can be alone with God, but speak outloud. Go to your car or on a walk on a deserted road, if no where else can be found. Quiet your mind and read this prayer out loud:
God and maker of the universe, I come with my worries. I am asking questions that have been asked for centuries, but still bring fear and shame to me today.
What will I eat and how will I feed my family? Where will I live and how will I pay my bills? What will I wear and will I have enough? Will I need to be burden to others or drain down the savings you have blessed me with in order to provide for myself? Will we need to move? Will I get a job that provides enough? What trials, heartaches, or sacrifices are in the next chapter of my story?
These questions and the realities behind them are stressful and can be overwhelming. I confess them to you and ask for your guidance and provision.
I know that you know me and know what I need. From heaven you look down and see me, everyone in this town, in this country, and all of mankind. You see heart you formed. You see everything they do. Your eyes are on me. I take you seriously. I wait in hope for you, Lord. No just for the physical blessings you promise, but for you. You are my help. You are my shield and protector. Your plans and purposes stand forever.
I know you are already working for my good and for your glory. You are orchestrating events that I don’t see, planting seeds in the hearts of others, and using me to live out your purpose in the lives of others that I encounter. Help me to seek justice, love mercy, give generously, live at peace, and speak truth.
I praise you for all the good things you have done. I sing and shout with joy. Why? Because you love me. Because of your faithfulness. Because your steadfast love. Because you are with me. You are the author of my faith, please perfect it as I learn to trust in you and watch for your handiwork in my life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Pause:
Take a moment to reflect on what God is responding to you in this prayer. If you don’t hear a response, pray that God shows you where you need to pursue justice, generosity, or honesty. If useful, take additional reflection time to listen to praise music, to read Psalms 33, and to spend time thanking him for every blessing you can discern today (start broadly with creation, then to your church or community, and then into the circumstances of your own life and family that give you hope and encouragement).
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What Does It Mean to Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness?