We Yearn For More Than the World Can Offer!

Day 13 Matthew 5:6


Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.

St. Augustine said, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in thee.” We are the only ones created by God who wonder what our purpose is on earth. We ask, “What on earth am I here for?” Our hearts yearn for something more than this world can offer.  We long for heaven. We often fill this void with things that can never satisfy. The more we fill ourselves with these things, the thirstier we get. The term righteousness means, “being in a right relationship with God”. The word is also translated “just.” Throughout the Old Testament people longed for a deeper righteousness than the Law could afford. The Ten Commandments were the standard for righteousness, but though we can obey these for a while, we are bound to stumble in due time. 

We long for something deeper than just obedience. We long for a relationship with God. And this is the heart of what Jesus is describing in the kingdom.  This is why Jesus was sent from heaven to show us the “Way”. His mission was to reconcile God’s people back to Himself.  When we practice spiritual disciplines during Lent, it is not to get God’s approval, but because we already have it. Take a moment to thank God for the grace you have been given in Jesus which is your fuel for life.


Jesus, thank you for filling the deepest longing in our heart by justifying us by your righteousness alone.  Only your perfect life, death and resurrection could bring us back to the relationship with God we have always longed for. In Your name, Amen. 

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