Matthew 5:6; John 7:37-39

We have noted that the first three beatitudes challenge the sinful desires of all men: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.  One might think with some in this world that happiness is the absence of all desire.  But not so with Jesus; He says that happiness is the experience of those with new desires.  They hunger and thirst for righteousness.  And unlike those who seek happiness through sinful desires and must continually seek for more of the same, Jesus here says that those who desire righteousness will be filled!

“Hunger and thirst” are natural desires of the flesh.  Here they are considered to be natural desires of the soul.  The desire for righteousness must be the basic desire.  And, like hunger and thirst in the natural realm, the desire for righteousness will recur and bring fresh satisfaction.

People pursue many things in the pursuit of happiness.  If you have read the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes you know that the Preacher sought soul-satisfaction in the pursuit of …

·        Science/Knowledge/Academia, 1:12-18;

·        Hedonism/Playboy Philosophy, 2:1-11;

·        Philosophy/Wisdom, 2:12-17;

·        Projects/Work/Capitalism, 2:18-23.

His constant experience with each pursuit was vanity or emptiness.  These things did not truly fill him.

On the other hand God’s people have found satisfaction in pursuing …

·        God (Job 19:26-27; Psalm 84:2; Philippians 3:7-11);

·        God’s Word (Psalm 119:20,131; Amos 8:11-13);

·        God’s Righteousness (Matthew 6:33; 1 Tim. 6:11).

Often we have this view of God that He takes delight in our poverty and grief.  This is not true.  The Scriptures are right, that he satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness (Psalm 107:9).  Jesus had in mind our satisfaction in John 6:35 when He said, I am the bread of life. He that comes to me shall never hunger; and he that believes on me shall never thirst.  (John 7:37-39 expresses the same thought as does God’s call through Isaiah, Isa. 55:1-2).

In the pursuit of happiness many have come up empty because they have pursued selfishly and sinfully.  For those who have come to the merciful, faithful and righteous God they have begun to hunger for righteousness, and they are being satisfied:

⁷ How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. ⁸ They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. ⁹ For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light. ¹⁰ Oh, continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You, And Your righteousness to the upright in heart. (Psalm 36:7-10)