The fourth step up the leadership mountain is a beautiful step of fulfillment, “blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” The thought is often expressed in relationship to the word of God, but the word of God is not mentioned in this context.
The terms used are interesting: “hungering and thirsting” for what is right with God or what God calls right.
From the Old Testament, familiar to the Jews Jesus addresses, it was not uncommon for righteousness to be associated with justice for the poor, orphans, and widows (Proverbs 14:31-35; Isaiah 11:1-5; and Jeremiah 22:15-18). These are a few passages addressing the subject.
Consider the way Jesus used this term in Mt. 5:6, 10, 20, 45; 6:1, 33. If righteousness is replaced by the word “justice,” and seen in light of helping those in need, imagine the impact in application.
Leaders are needed who understand the righteousness / justice directed to the afflicted and recognize that climbing the leadership mountain of God demands attention to the kind of satisfaction that comes by hungering and thirsting for this kind of righteousness / justice.