Blessed are the meek

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Scripture: Matthew 5:5 (ESV)

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Devotion

          Today’s scripture we find hard to accept in our 21st century world. Our world system values those who take charge and run roughshod over people. The idea that a meek person (Meek meaning quiet, gentle, and submissive.) would inherit the earth seems ridiculous to the modern ear. Being meek, however, does not mean to lack assertiveness when the situation requires it.

          Jesus is drawing on the Psalms for his teaching. Psalm 37:11 states “But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.” In fact, this teaching mentioned elsewhere in the Old and New Testaments as well. (See for example Isaiah 29:19, Romans 4:13, and Revelation 21:7)

          It may seem to the Biblically informed reader that Jesus acts very unmeek at times. For example, the cleansing of the temple, and some of his encounters with the religious leaders of his day. But overall, Jesus is almost always gentle in his teaching and healing ministries. He most certainly is meek during his trial, crucifixion, and death. Even in his triumphant resurrection he is meek and gentle with the disciples.

          It should be noted that nowhere is meekness considered weakness. Our calling is not to be doormats for the world to run all over. As Peter stated in 1 Peter 3:15 “we must be prepared to always give a defense for the hope that lies within us, but to do it with gentleness and respect”. In other words, we are to answer from a position meekness not arrogance or rudeness.

          What exactly is the inheritance promised to the meek. “The future reward echoes Ps 37:11 but generalizes the promise of inheriting the land of Israel to include all of the earth. Christian hope does not look forward to inhabiting a particular country but to ruling with Christ over all the globe and ultimately to enjoying an entirely re-created earth and heavens (Rev 20–22).”[1] The meek in the future kingdom rule with Jesus over all the land and the sea. Let us pray that we may be found to be among the meek on the day of the Lord’s return.

Prayer:

          Lord Jesus, we can look to you as an example of what it means to be meek. Help us to follow in your footsteps wherever they may lead. Whether in pleasant places or to a cross. Put to death in us all arrogance and rudeness. Keep us from demanding our own way and help us to seek to follow you more closely in your way. Teach us that we may learn the ways of meekness and keep us from the sins of wanting things are own way. Glory to you blessed Savior. Amen


[1] Craig Blomberg, Matthew, vol. 22, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), 99.

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