The Beatitudes
10 Truths
Blessed are the meek (Matthew 5:5).
Matthew's Beatitude 3
Matthew 5:5
Blessed our the meek
because they will inherit the earth.
What does it mean to be meek? This word appears around 22 times in the New Testament. It has a range of meek, gentle, and humble. The original word describes a wild horse that had been tamed.
What Meekness Is
Meekness is quiet inner strength under control. It is inner strength that waits for the right moment and bows to God’s leadership. The power is there, but it is controlled by God and has His priorities.
Meekness is also gentleness, one of the fruit of the Spirit. Patience and humility are hallmarks of meekness.
What Meekness Is Not
Meekness is not weakness. It is the opposite of what we see in our political systems and worldly leadership. It is the opposite of asserting yourself.
Qualities of a Meek Person
A meek person does not abuse his power or try to get his own way. This person places their power and strength in reserve. He chooses the moments to use his strength and power.
A meek person lives under God’s control. He welcomes God’s power over coercion or forcing compliance. This takes serious self-control. Only the Holy Spirit can help you develop a meek manner.
Inheriting the Earth
Psalm 37:11 may have been in Jesus’s mind when He gave this beatitude. If so, inheriting the earth means inheriting the good land God will give His people. It refers to the promised land, the place of God’s blessing in our future.
It is ironic that those who refuse to seize power or take advantage of others will inherit the earth. God will give them what many leaders try to take and control through worldly tactics.
Examples of Meek People in the Bible
Moses is a great example of meekness. He was God’s chosen leader for Israel in the wilderness. He could have posted about it and shoved it in everyone’s face but he let God defend him (Members 12:3). Moses was a humble leader who did not push for his own way.
Jesus is the ultimate example of a meek Person. He could call down legions of angels at the Cross, but went through the suffering and pain because it was the only way to save us. He had all divine authority and power, but did not use it to benefit Himself. He chose when He would use His power and when He would serve others. It was His quiet strength that made Him so compelling, and still does today.
Life Change
- How do you handle stressful situations at work, outbursts by coworkers and family members, and grabs for power in your life?
- Do you surrender your pride and desires for yourself to God to allow Him to reign in your heart and handle all the messy stuff of your day?
- Have you prayed and sought Jesus’s peaceful and gentle spirit to help you deal with confrontations?
- Have you given up your own agenda, expectations, and desires in service to whatever opportunity God provides for you to represent Jesus?
- Do you have a position of authority? How do you lead or delegate your authority?