              
Diets.
We hear about them every day. No one really enjoys them.
- “eat more protein”
- “eat fruits & veggies”
- “avoid starches”
- “try this system”
- “eat less, move more”
- “caveman diet”
So many voices telling us what to do to lose weight, keep healthy. We have the voices in our own heads, family, friends, advertising & now even Charles Barkley is calling to us to join him in weight loss.
Yet this morning, there is only one voice I need to hear….
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Â Â Â Â Â (Matthew 5:6 NIV).Â
Jesus is telling us that we need to have an appetite for the things of His kingdom. We are to have a purpose in life that drives us to obey Him. In the NLT Study Bible, the commentary further explains, “This refers to …the disciple’s desire to see justice for all people.”
As we pursue God & His ways, we not only get our own most basic needs met but we also get the promise that God’s purposes will be achieved & that His justice will eventually reign on the earth. (New American Commentary, page 100). As we pursue Christ & His righteousness, there is a balance that occurs between spiritual & social concerns. (also, New American Commentary, page 100).
In Isaiah 55:2b, we are promised:
“Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.”
In Psalm 81:16, we are also promised some “delectables”:
“But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” Â (Psalm 81:16 NIV).Â
So today may I, may we, partake of the best diet known to man. It is a diet that will not only benefit ourselves but also be a benefit to those around us. To adhere to it, the Lord tells us what we need to do:
                                 “Open wide your mouth & I will fill it.”
                                               Psalm 81:10 NIV
