A Pleasant Surprise

One of the beautiful things about Scripture is its endless ability to surprise and even inspire. So many times, when studying a familiar passage, I still wind up discovering something completely new. Perhaps this is partially attributable to my own ignorance . . . but no matter how great my ignorance is (and, yes, it is great, in a not-so-good way), God's Word is even more magnificent.

Here's a simple example from just earlier today. In studying for a series I'll be teaching soon on the Sermon on the Mount, I looked at a very familiar passage:

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." -- Matthew 5:6

Now, I won't bore you with a detailed description of what I usually think of when I read this passage, but its pretty simple and obvious. The early portion of Christ's sermon is a call for man to see his spiritual depravity and need -- verse 6 clearly reinforces that. Obvious enough, right?

But here's what I've never noticed before: verse 6 is actually a great verse to determine whether or not we are truly in the kingdom. We all love to find litmus tests for our salvation and opportunities to reinforce our security in our eternal salvation . . . but I've never looked at Matthew 5:6 that way.

But, as Martyn Lloyd-Jones has noted, this verse has the ability to separate the pretenders from the authentic believers. If the idea of hungering and thirsting for God's righteousness sounds like the most beautiful goal and pursuit ever to you, then you can be certain you are a part of His kingdom. But, if such a pursuit seems pointless or distracting to you, then you had best examine your spiritual foundations. There's a chance you've never done real business with God because, if you possess His Spirit, you should also possess a passion for His kingdom values and holiness.

So which is it for you and me? Is Matthew 5:6 a gorgeous, inspiring truth or is it an impractical religious idea that just gets in the way of your every day life?

Now maybe you're thinking that all seems rather obvious. Maybe you always see that when you read the Sermon on the Mount . . . but it was news to me. And, practically speaking (if you've been paying attention at all) my own excitement over this discovery gives me great comfort and confidence. Don't make me go back and explain why!