“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6; all Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible).

“Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold;
 My chosen one in whom My soul delights.
 I have put My Spirit upon Him;
 He will bring forth justice to the nations.
He will not cry out or raise His voice,
 Nor make His voice heard in the street.
A bruised reed He will not break
 And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish;
 He will faithfully bring forth justice.
He will not be disheartened or crushed
 Until He has established justice in the earth;
 And the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law” (Isaiah 42:1-4).

Jesus personified righteousness and justice, balanced with mercy. We look to Him seeking these virtues. Those who have His Holy Spirit within them crave that righteousness.

Yet, as we look around us, righteousness is lacking. Violent crime is increasing in many American cities. Sins that were socially unacceptable a generation ago are encouraged by our culture in 2022. Not only are they socially acceptable, one can face negative consequences for referring to them as sins.

We want righteousness and justice, but it remains elusive. Perhaps too many of us have expected politicians to offer real solutions. Often, their laws and policies fail because they cannot correct the fundamental problem causing all social ills: sin or human depravity.

Righteousness will be established. Sin and death have already been conquered by Jesus’ death and resurrection. As the Nicene Creed says, “He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.” The Father has already given Jesus all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).

In the meantime, while we await Christ’s return and consummation of His Kingdom, let us walk in the power of His Spirit. Let us bring His righteousness to everybody we meet and every situation we encounter. He will return and manifest His righteousness. Until then, let us be the vessels through which He can pour His goodness into our families, neighborhoods, churches, communities, and countries.

Heavenly Father, we hunger and thirst for righteousness. Fill us, O Lord. Satisfy our desire to enjoy your righteousness and justice. While we await the return of Your Son, fill us with your Holy Spirit and send us forth to share your righteousness, justice, and mercy with a world that is saturated with sin. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

What does “hungering and thirsting for righteousness” mean to you? How do you fulfill this desire? How can you share God’s righteousness with those around you? Share your thoughts and comments in the box below this article.

Copyright © 2022 Michael E. Lynch. All rights reserved.