Blessed are the meek

Matthew 5:5

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" 

Recently we have been looking about once a week into one of those verses we know as the Beatitudes.  Today we come to the third in the list, recorded in Matthew 5:5.

We have previously examined the first beatitude, concerning the poor in spirit and they are those receiving the kingdom of heaven.  Then, you will remember, when we started looking at the second, which mentioned those who mourn being comforted, we said there was a progression of understanding which must travel throughout all the beatitudes. These first three are closely related in that their purpose is commonly shared.

I hope it goes without saying that meekness does not mean some "sissy" lifestyle, always being walked on and talked into agreement with a stronger, more assertive person. If we learn one thing from all this, I hope we learn that it takes a spiritually strong person to be meek, strong in the strength of the Lord. 

I must admit when differences happen, I had rather discuss differences with someone who possesses the quality of meekness. Along with that I must confess the meekness that is talked about here in Matthew 5 has not been one of my strongest features. 

That's why God is giving us this teaching through his Son, meekly mentioning some attitudes that should become such a part of us, they are automatic and normal for us.  Just as in the first beatitude we are called upon to become poor in our spirits, realizing that only God can rescue us from that condition.  And in the second, we are called blessed when we realize our sinfulness and we mourn because of the damage done because of our sin. 

Now in this third beatitude we come to realize standing before God is not a place to demand our own way, nor is it a time for us to rely on our own strength. The truly meek person is he who is strong enough to know of his need for God to be in control, yielding himself to the Supreme Authority, our Heavenly Father. 

We are truly meek when we know we cannot save ourselves, and turn everything we are and have over to God in seeking him.  His loving kindness and grace comes with a supply of learning He is our strength and power. He is our victory.  Blessed are the meek. 

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