Hungry

Paradox; Webster says that word means seemingly absurd, yet true in fact. Let me give you some examples we die to live Romans 8:13
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify {put to death} the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Philippians 1:21
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

We Decrease to Increase John 3:30
He {Jesus} must increase, but I must decrease.

We Hunger and Thirst to be Happy Matthew 5:6
Blessed
are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. I want to talk to you about hunger and thirst for a moment. As we enter into the Christmas season we should be happy for many reasons. We see in verse six that the word "Blessed" is used and that word carries the meaning of "HAPPY." Jesus is speaking to those who are hungry and thirsty, yet they are happy. I wouldn't think that this condition would produce happiness but sadness. How can a person be hungry and thirsty and be happy. Remember the children of Israel that after God had destroyed the Egyptians how they sang and praised God but just 3-days after being delivered they came to a place of bitter waters and they were not happy but very sad. Didn't sound like the thirst brought any happiness; for all they were doing was complaining? But we just read that "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst "The few who found the secret understood what Jesus was saying. Jesus did not say happiness is ours when we are hungry because Hunger and Thirst have produced much of our Misery. Jesus did not say Happiness is ours when we are hungry for many are desperately hungry for happiness, but it's always beyond their reach. There is a present possibility and it is found in the small word "are "that is the present tense for NOW! It's not what will be ours in the sweet by and by; not what we get when we have gone the last mile of the way; not what we receive as we cross death's chilling tide. It's ours today not tomorrow or later but today. One finds happiness only in a right relationship with God. Happiness is never a reality for those who live in sin. Happiness is shut out by the dark clouds of sin and there can be no possession of it until one is right with God. David put it this way Psalm 51:2
Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Psalm 51:3
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Jesus talks about two of our bodies basic needs; these two words have the sense of urgency. Hunger and thirst describe the driving desire we ought to have for divine righteousness. The person who is never hungry is sick. We all have a natural desire for food and water it is a sign of health. We must eat in order to live, God made us that way. Disobedience to this natural law means death. We too must have the same appetite for holiness if not the same will take place. 1Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: How long would you and I be satisfied with a snack; would you have crackers at a steak house? Too many times we are satisfied with a spiritual snack. Peter Marshall said it like this " Church members, in too many cases, are like deep sea divers, encased in suits designed for many fathoms deep, marching bravely to pull out plugs in bath tubs." Hunger and thirst are constant occurrences. We do not eat all we will ever need at one meal nor do we drink all we will ever need in a few swallows. Our health depends on a continual appetite. No person is more useless than the man who is satisfied with what he has done and what he is. The one who does not hunger and thirst to improve through righteousness is unapproved by God. So feed yourself with spiritual food from God's table on a daily basis and you will grow, grow, and grow if we fail to do so we will starve to death spiritually speaking.