I am a Jesus pusher!!! “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” (Matthew 5:6). Let’s examine a more comprehensive DELINEATION of this righteousness. In our passage (Matthew 5:6), hunger and thirst is linked with righteousness. The grammar structure of this linkage delineates, portrays, or pinpoints the exact location of this righteousness. The righteousness of the Old Covenant is not something for which one hungers or thirsts. Jesus calls to those who are trapped in its bondage to “Come to Me,” (Matthew 11:28). He refers to those individuals as “you who labor and are heavy laden.” He promises “rest.” The New Covenant righteousness is depicted as “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30).
In the last proclamation of Jesus, He stated seven woes to the scribes and Pharisees. He did not picture their righteousness as something for which they hungered or even desired. He said, “Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers” (Matthew 23:3-4). Their righteousness was not sought with passion, but with pride and arrogance. It resulted in compromise and hypocrisy. Outside obligations soon become a burden. Jesus proposes a righteousness flowing from the hunger of the soul embracing the Spirit of Jesus. I am a Jesus pusher!!!