TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6
Read: Matthew 5:6
Listen: Matthew 5
TODAY’S MESSAGE
A few stomachs may have rumbled as Jesus continues to teach. A man may have tipped his water skin for a few drops on his parched lips. A woman may have peeked at her neighbor’s sack to see if she has lunch to share. Jesus understands their physical needs and uses this imagery to address their spiritual hunger and thirst. He knows they need food and water for both their bodies and souls. Jesus promises to bless all who recognize their lack and hunger—and thirst for him.
We all have cravings for real needs that should point us to God. He designs us for lives of affirmation, security, adventure, significance and connection. Yet we often seek to fill these God-given desires apart from him. We seek affirmation by stretching the truth. We attempt to control people and situations for security. We run away from relationships or responsibilities in search of adventure. We cut corners at work to get ahead and find significance. We seek love and ignore God’s design for healthy relationships. Watch this video clip as Pastor Aaron Buer explains how these cravings come from and point us to God.
Jesus says we are blessed when we crave God and his righteousness, or right living. When we chase God rather than our needs, we experience his filling. God will fill us with himself, and we find God cares about our needs and meets us in them as only God can.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
What craving are you chasing? Bring that desire to God and confess how you have chased it apart from him. In your journal, write, “God, I’m chasing ______________ (security, variety, connection, growth, meaningful contribution or something else). I confess I have tried to fill my needs without you by ____________________. Help me hunger and thirst for you today. Amen.” If you are struggling in an area, please email us at btw@adabible.org. We would love to have a conversation and pray with you.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is 1 Corinthians 6.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
