Beatitudes - Blessed are the Meek

 lessed are the meek.

For they shall inherit the earth.

What does being meek mean?

Is being meek a bad trait or a good trait?

Matthew 5:5 — Meek Inherit the Earth By Wayne Jackson

There are two misconceptions commonly connected with this passage.

•            First, the nature of meekness is misunderstood.

•            Second, some contend that the verse speaks of a future, eternal abode upon the earth.

Who are the meek?

To many, “meekness” suggests the idea of passivity, someone who is easily imposed upon, spinelessness, weakness. Since Jesus declared Himself to be meek (Matthew 11:29), some perceive Him as a sissy-type character.

Nothing could be further from the truth. In the Greek New Testament, “meek” is from the Greek term praus. It does not suggest weakness; rather, it denotes strength brought under control. The ancient Greeks employed the term to describe a wild horse tamed to the bridle.

We as followers of Christ, when we declare Christ as Lord are taming our desires to Christ’s desires. Jesus told his disciples if anyone wants to follow Him they must deny themselves (Matthew 16:24). We can no longer remain the wild stallion who desires sin, we must submit to the Lordship of Christ just as Christ submitted to the Lordship of the Father John 4:34, 8:29

What does it mean that the meek will “inherit the earth”?

As to the expression “inherit the earth,” the following facts should be noted:

•                    God is the owner of this earth (Psalm 24:1).

•                    Those who obey Christ become children of God (Galatians 3:27; Hebrews 5:9), and “joint-heirs” with the Lord (Romans 8:17).

•                    The Father supplies all our needs (Philippians 4:19), we therefore enjoy this earth and its blessings more than all others.

Mainly, however, our inheritance is spiritual (Acts 20:32); we are heirs in the kingdom of Christ (Ephesians 5:5), and citizenship in that kingdom is available now on this earth (cf. John 3:3-5; Colossians 1:13).

Finally, we also look for an inheritance that is reserved for us in heaven (1 Peter 1:4), because we are aware that the earth will be destroyed when Christ returns (2 Peter 3:10). Thus, underline “inherit the earth,” and make some appropriate notations in the margin of your Bible.

Table Talk, Ken Jones

But this raises the question of how one becomes meek. The Beatitudes are a series of declarations of what God bestows on those whom He receives into His kingdom. So, in light of Matthew 5:5, God gives the earth as an inheritance. But He also gives meekness. I say this based on two things. On the one hand, meekness is a virtue possessed by Christ in His humanity (Matt. 11:29), which means that it is part of His active righteousness that is credited to us for our justification. But on the other hand, meekness is a fruit of the Spirit that the Spirit causes us to manifest in our sanctification, as Galatians 5:23 tells us. Some translations begin that verse with “gentleness,” whereas the King James Version renders it “meekness.” But on the whole, the description of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23 describes meekness.

Psalm 37 Read this Psalm and notice how God deals with the meek vs. those who seek worldly blessings. What does the meek inherit? Is this inheritance future, present or both?

VERSES DESCRIBING MEEKNESS

Matthew 11:29   "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. Jesus models meekness.

Numbers 12:3   (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth.) Moses was declared meek.

1 Peter 5:5   You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.

James 4:6  But He gives a greater grace Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."

Galatians 5:23  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Colossians 3:12   So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

1 Thessalonians 2:7  But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Paul demonstrates meekness.

Ephesians 4:1-2  Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,

Zephaniah 2:3 Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.

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