Rev. James Armpriester
2 November 2020
L
ast month, I went to cash a check at my bank. Miraculously, I was the only car in the drive-thru lane. Not feeling the need to be in a hurry, I struck up a conversation with the teller. The conversation landed on what I do for a living. For the next five minutes, I talked about the great church God has allowed me to shepherd. I talked about how loving we are; how we are so diverse and yet how close we are to one another. I went on about our worship, our facilities, our technological capabilities, and how we love to bless others. She was really impressed by our church and asked for information about our services. It was really cool. I could feel the passion just ooze out of every pore in my body. I truly love Transformation Life Church (TLC)!
Later that week in my prayer time, I thanked God for the opportunity to share about our church! In that prayer time, the Lord took my mind to the question Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love these more than me?” (John 21:15) For the first time, I truly understood the feeling Peter felt at this question. The next verse that came to mind was, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34) Did I really think TLC was the answer? Had I equated the church I pastor with knowing Jesus? I heard the Spirit speaking to my heart saying, I know you love TLC, but am I your first love?
Over the last few weeks, I have been meditating on this encounter. I have repented and taken up a more robust devotional life that builds my love for Jesus. Also, I have been concerned that like me, many may love the church they attend, the worship music they listen to, the programs offered, and the outreaches performed more than they love Jesus — reflected by their desire to know Him more and by obeying His commands.
Photograph via Canva
Jesus speaks to this very issue in the fourth beatitude. He says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6) Like the other three beatitudes, Jesus is teaching about our relationship with God. We are to be focused and determined to pursue the righteousness of Jesus. Notice, He is not saying that we are to desire a portion of Christ’s righteousness but to want all of His righteousness. The standard we seek is to obtain the full measure of Christ, demonstrated by the way we live.
My concern is found in how easy it is to seek and develop passions for that which will never make us complete or satisfy what our soul needs to be truly happy. To use an Indiana colloquialism, “we get the cart before the horse.” Jesus tells us to “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, then all of these things will be added.” (Matthew 6:33) We need to get the order correct if we hope to live under His blessing!
So how do you know what is the priority? We must look at the second part of this teaching. Those who seek first His righteousness will be filled with Jesus. His Spirit will abide in us, transforming us with love as we learn to live as Jesus did! Are you filled with a longing to know Jesus more? Are you devoted to His teachings and driven by a desire to fulfill His will and mission?
If this is you, I have good news! You are just the person Jesus is looking for to bless with His presence and provision! He will not only satisfy your hunger and thirst, He promises to do exceedingly abundant, more than you could ever think to ask. Don’t settle for less than all of Jesus!
Lord, return us to our first love! Make us hungry and thirsty for you!
Helpful Resources
Francis Chan, Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God, David C. Cook, 2008.
Bryan Koch & Daniel McNaughton, Follow: Learning to Follow Jesus, Morning Joy Media, 2011.
Greg Laurie, New Believer’s Guide to Effective Christian Living, Tyndale, 2002.
Video: Transformation Life Church, The Blessed Life: Hunger and Thirst, Posted: November 1, 2020, Description: The Blessed Life Series is a close look at Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount,