The Great Paradox

Matthew 5:6 (KJV) Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

      Paul wrote to Timothy “ I know whom I have believed.” Okay that sounds right. I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good. I have found the pearl of great price. Like the song says, “I know, I know there is no doubt about. He’s real in my heart and I’m gonna shout it.” Those who have found (or been found) by Jesus have come into a wonderful place. The eyes of their understanding have been opened and they can say, “I know the maker of the Heavens and the Earth.” I am filled.
     
     Then we read in Philippians where Paul writes, “to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.” In another place He tells the Philippians, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended in Christ Jesus.” This is the heart of a seeker. Paul sounds hungry and thirsty. There is a stirring in his soul that can only be filled by knowing Jesus.
     
     Here we see the great paradox of the fourth beatitude as Jesus talks of great hunger and great filling. To be filled with the knowledge and presence of God is a never ending blessing. The joy and peace, the light and glory, the wisdom and knowledge, the love and grace are never ending. There is no searching the height or depth of God. He is unknowable and yet all knowing. Just writing these words stir my soul to great joy in knowing that He loves me and gave Himself for me. And in the peace that flows through my spirit there rises a great hunger, a discontentment. I long for more of His Spirit. I need more of His life flowing through me. Filled yet hungry! Satisfied but thirsty! The more I know Him, the more I love Him, the more I love Him, the more I need Him.
    
     If you have come to the table of God and eaten of His bounty, you are blessed beyond measure and apprehended by a desire that will never cease. Those that say they have been there but never desire to feast on His presence, never seek Him, but live their lives as if He was just a small part will never know the joy of this great paradox. Being filled and oh so hungry.