Thoughts on Today's Verse…

The Lord Jesus said, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Why are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness blessed? How can they be sated? What is the connection between longing for righteousness and our welcoming the Lord’s return? These questions are worth contemplating and experiencing deeply. Read today’s scripture to gain new insights.

This is a profound scripture that expresses God’s approval and blessing towards those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Longing for righteousness is a reflection of the thirst for justice, the pursuit of truth, and alignment with God’s will. It is a manifestation of the soul’s longing for God’s word and a pursuit of spiritual life. People who hunger and thirst for righteousness do not live in a state of self-satisfaction; they often feel a lack of understanding of God. As a result, they humbly seek the truth, seek God’s heart, and are able to accept the truth. In this pursuit, their hearts are filled with humility and longing. Such individuals can receive God’s blessings and guidance. It is just as God says, “All those before Me who sincerely search for Me, who have hearts that hunger and thirst for righteousness—I will enlighten you, reveal to you, allow you to see Me with your own eyes and grasp My will in person; My heart will surely be revealed to you, that you may understand” (The Word, Vol. 1. The Appearance and Work of God. Utterances of Christ in the Beginning, Chapter 17). The Bible records that Peter was a person who hungered and thirsted for righteousness. He often listened to the teachings of the Lord Jesus and found truth and life in His words. He received spiritual nourishment and found satisfaction in his soul. That’s why he could say, “Lord, to whom shall we go? you have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). On the other hand, the Jewish Pharisees, chief priests, and scribes, despite their familiarity with the Scriptures and their frequent explanations of them, were not people who hungered and thirsted for righteousness. They do not seek the truth or the will of God; instead, they focus solely on biblical knowledge, theological theories, and their outward works to showcase themselves and gain the admiration of others. Therefore, when they heard the teachings of the Lord Jesus, they did not humbly seek the truth. Not only did they fail to recognize the voice of God, but they also resisted and condemned the Lord Jesus, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now you have heard his blasphemy” (Matthew 26:65). Reflecting on these examples, we should examine ourselves: Are we people who hunger and thirst for righteousness?

We are currently in the final period of the last days, a crucial moment to welcome the Lord’s second coming. Hungering and thirsting for righteousness is of utmost importance for us in welcoming the Lord. Many people are now testifying that the Lord has returned and expressed lots of truths to guide people into all the truths, leading them to full salvation and entry into the heavenly kingdom. This fulfills the words of Jesus: “I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:12–13). Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, by humbly seeking the work of the returned Lord and listening to His words, have heard the voice of God and welcomed the Lord and dined with Him. However, some people do not humbly seek or investigate the words and work of the returned Lord, and even resist and condemn Him. They think that their extensive knowledge of the Bible and their ability to explain it to others make them self-satisfied. They believe themselves to be people who have earned God’s approval, who have a place in the kingdom of heaven, and who are the most deserving of welcoming the Lord. Others trust in pastors and elders alone, obedient solely to their words, without seeking to hear the words of the returned Lord. Are these people truly hungering and thirsting for righteousness? Will they receive God’s approval and be able to welcome the Lord’s return? These questions are worth deep reflection.

Friends, may we hold firmly to this beautiful promise of the Lord Jesus, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6).

Let’s make this promise our life’s goal. May we cultivate a heart that longs for righteousness and continually seeks God’s truth with humility, listening attentively to His voice. In this crucial moment of welcoming the Lord’s return, let us become individuals who hunger and thirst for righteousness, so we can successfully be reuntied the Lord and forever dwell in His presence.

If you truly desire to become someone who hungers and thirsts for righteousness and humbly seeks to listen to God’s voice, please feel free to contact us through the online chat window at the bottom of our website. We will be glad to share God’s word and have online discussions with you.