Changing our Attitude Part 2
(NRSV) Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
Our previous devotional looked at the first two beatitudes, blessed are the poor in spirit and blessed are they who mourn. Today, we look at the blessedness of being meek.
Generally, we define meek as being patient and gentle. But in Matt 5:5 we find a deeper meaning. The Greek word for meek in this verse means power under control.
Think of a horse whose power is brought under control by the rider by use of a bridle, a bit and the reins. The horse may not want to submit to someone else’s control, and neither do we.
Yet, when we submit to God we see some wonderful results. We would rather forgive than avenge.We are not easily offended, but we are easily pacified.
Our power is under God’s control.
We submit to the Word of God and receive it gladly into our heart.
Our response to a brother’s sin is sorrow and pity and desire to help him be restored.
Our response to division within the church is not to take sides, but to restore unity. We do not use the Bible as a club to beat down lost souls, but instead as a life raft to save them.
So, what is our reward for being meek? Jesus says the meek will inherit the earth. Do you believe that, or is what you have seen in the world just the opposite?
Charles Swindoll says inheriting the earth means that, spiritually speaking, all our needs will be met. As we trust the Lord to provide, we gain our inheritance.
Warren Wiersbe says, “to ‘inherit the earth’ means to reign as king over yourself and your circumstances through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
If we truly know that Jehovah-Jireh is our provider, He is our source, then we will stop our fretting and trust in Him. If we know that Jehovah-Nissi is our banner, and He goes before us in battle, then we will cease our fighting and acknowledge that the battle is not ours, but the Lord’s. If we can see that our inheritance depends not on what we do, but on what God does through us, then we can become meek, and then happiness will happen.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Swindoll, Charles R., Simple Faith, Word Publishing, 1991, p. 34
Wiersbe, Warren, Live Like a King, Moody Press, Chicago, 1976, pp. 135-146
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