A Weekly Word from Your Pastor
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Matthew 5:5
To be “poor in spirit” is to know one’s place before God. To “mourn” is to be truly remorseful for your sin. What does it mean to be “meek?” Often we think that meekness is weakness, but this beatitude is in no way referring to the follower of Christ to be weak. Meekness is a quality that one comes to when they realize they are “poor in spirit” and “mourn” for their sins. Meekness is the attitude that one is humble, patient, gentle and kind.
Throughout the Bible strong men have been meek. Abraham was a strong man who in the decision of separating from his nephew Lot gave Lot the choice of land and gladly accepted what was left. Moses, having been raised in a kingly court did not choose royalty, but instead lowered himself to a place of submission among the Israelite people. David although he had been anointed King was loyal to Saul even when given the chance to destroy Saul, he choose kindness over vengefulness. In the face of other prophets proclaiming good news, Jeremiah heard the word of the Lord and was submissive to proclaim the truth even in the midst of being treated harshly.
The New Testament also proclaims the meekness of men. Stephen showed his meekness as he stood and proclaimed Jesus to the masses and was stoned and gave up his spirit to God. Paul proclaimed the God’s grace was sufficient no matter the trials or the troubles. And the greatest example of all was Jesus. Paul wrote about Him, “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:8-9) Jesus even says of Himself, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29) Jesus saw Himself as meek.
And look what happens to the meek. They inherit the earth. The idea that we live with is that it is the strong that inherits the earth. The powerful, the mighty. Yet here Jesus says the meek inherit the earth. The meek understand that in Christ they have everything they need. They are satisfied with life because it encompasses Jesus and the lifestyle that He calls us to live. Paul said in Christ old things go away and all things become new. We see the world differently. We recognize that this world is not our home. We do not yearn for things of this world but the things above.
Truly the meek inherit the earth. So therefore go about your day being humble, patient and kind. Be content in the life God has given you. You cannot be meek by a human trait. You must be meek by the infilling of the Holy Spirit. It is the only way we are truly blessed.
Dear Jesus, help us to be meek in our daily lives. Give us the ability to be satisfied with the life you have blessed us with. Help us not to yearn for earthy things, but to put our mind on things above. Give us your mind so that our lives may reflect you and you alone. In your Holy name we pray, Amen.