Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. The hunger and thirst of the desert traveler is the intensity of desire that Jesus associates with the pursuit of righteousness — not casual interest but desperate need. Psalm 42:1–2 describes the soul that pants for God as a deer pants for water; Amos 8:11 warns of a famine for the word of God. The righteousness being desired is both the individual's right standing with God and the social-moral order that characterizes the kingdom — both personal and cosmic. They shall be satisfied — the hunger that the world cannot meet will be fully met in the kingdom. Isaiah 55:1–2 calls the hungry and thirsty to come without money and eat; Jesus is the bread and water of life (John 6:35; 7:37) who satisfies the deepest hunger.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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