What's your insatiable hunger that drives you? Many today are pursuing power, praise, pleasure, popularity, and possessions, thinking that these things will satisfy the emptiness and void within. But only Jesus truly satisfies the 'God-shaped' vacuum in our souls. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled. But how does one pursue righteousness. Paul in Romans 9 reveals the two ways man pursues righteousness. Many pursue righteousness on their own terms, thinking that their own self-righteousness produced by their good works will be enough to reconnect with God. But WORKS DO NOT WORK. But if works do not work, what does? FAITH! When we by faith trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, God gives us Christ's righteousness. He fills the void within us with the Spirit of God-- the living water which overflows with joy, contentment, and inner peace. But there are two paradoxes in this. First, when Jesus satisfies our hunger for righteousness, we will want more. Paul is the perfect illustration. He details in Philippians 3 his 'before Christ' and 'after Christ' pursuits. Before it was works. After, it was faith and continuing to press on to maturity in Christ. He wanted more. Secondly, when we continually pursue Christ and His righteousness, God adds the others things in life. |
