The Beatitudes
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
So easily, Jesus could have avoided sorrow and suffering. He could have rallied twelve legions of angels and destroyed His enemies. Actually, it took only a word in Gethsemane. “I am He,” He said, and all His enemies fell over, as if swept down by an invisible hand.
However, instead of attacking on a mighty, war horse, He mounted on a young donkey and went to meet those who would kill Him. He meekly allowed these enemies to abuse Him, falsely convict Him, and nail Him to a cross. “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth … For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.” (Isaiah 53:7,9) Let the shame come; He would endure in silence. Let the injustice come; He would endure. Let the cross come; He would endure. Let the agony of hell come; He would endure.
Meekness is the strength to humbly endure suffering without complaint and without striking back. It takes strength to say, “God, You are control. I know that what You are doing is for my eternal welfare. I will quietly accept what You lay upon me.”
The world thinks, “Blesséd are the aggressive, for they will own world.” However, God reveals that this exalted status belongs to the meek. Blesséd are you, brothers and sisters of Christ. The earth is not going to end up in the hands of the aggressive, but in the hands of the meek … in your hands. Wait and see. It will come to pass. Do not be fooled by outward appearances. There is a greater power at work and a greater plan. Wait in patience and in meekness.
“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret – it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth… Wait on the LORD, And keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.” (Psalm 37:8,9,34)
Dear Father, favor us with Your presence and show us the pathway of meekness. Amen.