Category: Devotionals

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 NASB

In 1965 the ‘The Rolling Stones’ had their first number one recording in the United States with “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.” The suggestive lyrics throughout song serves as a testimonial that there is no satisfaction in the ways of the world. Why then do so many chase after those highly sought moments of pleasure only to come up empty? As hard as it is to admit we all have a sinful nature and our desires if not held in check will result in seeking those moments to find satisfaction. In time we will all realize, “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” in worldly desires.

Jesus says in the fourth Beatitude, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Mt.5:6 nasb) Satisfaction, according to Jesus, God the Son, comes to those who have a hunger and thirst for righteousness. This is a characteristic of Jesus’ followers as are the first three Beatitudes; the poor in spirit, those who mourn and the meek. Every Christian should hunger and thirst for righteousness. It should be our desire.

John R. W. Stott lists three aspects of righteousness found in the Bible; they are legal, moral, and social. “Legal righteousness is justification, a right relationship with God; moral righteousness is that righteousness of character and conduct which pleases God; and social righteousness is concerned with seeking man’s liberation from oppression, together with the promotion of civil rights, justice in the law courts, integrity in business, and honour in home and family affairs.” (1)

Sadly, there are many Christians who have not found the true satisfaction that comes from knowing Christ. If you are not satisfied as a Christian, then something is amiss. If this relates to you, could it be that you hunger and thirst for things outside the word of God? Get into the Word of God where righteousness is put on display, and you will soon discover a desire for it.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” All other desires, “(You) Can’t Get No satisfaction.”

(1) Stott, John R. W. The Message of the Sermon on the Mount. Downers Grove: Inter-Varsity Press, 1978.

“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” Matthew 5:20 NLT

You may have heard the term, ‘practice makes perfect.’ You may have used it yourself while encouraging others to continue their practice sessions. Whether learning to play a musical instrument or being coached up to throw a curve ball, run a deep route on the football field, or raise the percentage of free throws from the foul line, practice is needed. But does practice really make perfect? We are all able to testify that practice does make us better, but it does not make us perfect. That is not to say that one cannot bowl a perfect 300 game, a pitcher not throw a perfect 27 out baseball game, or a student studying for an exam is not able to ace it. Outside of those accomplishments, which are few, practice does make us better, but certainly not perfect.

The religious leaders of Jesus’s day were all about practicing religion. They had calculated 248 commandments and 365 prohibitions in God’s law. They strived to keep them all. No doubt, they practiced their religion by obeying or trying to obey each of 613 total commandments and prohibitions. As much as they practiced their religion and attempted to keep all the laws, they were not able to do so. They did claimed, however, to have a righteousness that surpassed everyone else. Their religion was an outward show of righteous deeds. No matter how much they practiced the righteous deeds of the law they were not perfect.

Jesus said to His disciples in the Sermon on the Mount in reference to this, “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” (Mt.5:20 nlt) The teachers of the law and the Pharisees were considered to be the most righteous individuals due to their observances of God’s laws. But Jesus tells the disciples their righteousness must exceed that of the righteous leaders or they will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Practicing or observing religion is not the answer.

One is made righteous in the sight of God by accepting Christ as their Savior. There are no works we can perform, or any amount of practicing that will earn us a place in Heaven with Christ. “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Eph.2:8-9 nlt) Do not practice your religion, put your religion into practice.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 KJV

In the United States, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. The day is set aside to remember and honor those who have given all in the service of their country. It was known as “Decoration Day” in its beginning shortly after the American Civil War. Fellow soldiers would decorate the graves of their fallen comrades with flags, flowers and wreathes. The tradition continues to this day. These decorated graves signify that each individual is not forgotten but remembered and honored for their sacrifice in the protection and maintaining the freedom of their fellow citizens.

Many people visit the grave-sites of their departed loved ones and heroes year after year honoring their memory. But there is one particular grave-site that is visited by thousands of people year after year, and yet they do not come to decorate for remembrance. That is due to the fact that the grave is empty. It is known as the garden tomb in Jerusalem, where Jesus was laid after His death on the cross. They come to wonder in amazement and worship the Lord Jesus Christ who rose from the dead and is alive today in Heaven and seated at the right hand of God the Father.

As we remember those who have given their lives, by paying the ultimate sacrifice for freedom; let us also be reminded of the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His death provided freedom from the bondage of sin, and because He lives, all those who call upon His name will also live.