“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” — Matthew 5:5
At almost every turn the doctrine of Christ contradicts the philosophy of man. Proud man would say, ‘might makes right;’ ‘The mighty will inherit the earth.’ How men need to be reminded that the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof! He will decide, in a day to come, how the inheritance will be divided.
Meekness is defined in terms of patience, humility and gentleness. It is a quality not usually associated with conquest, but we may need to be reminded again that with God the way up is down. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts [Isa. 55:8-9].” Under Satan’s government the ways of God have been inverted. Under Christ’s, they are restored to divine order. That order should be reflected in the church.
The emphasis upon the quality of meekness did not originate in the Sermon on the Mount. The Holy Spirit had conveyed it long before through the Psalmist in a passage that not only enjoins meekness, but elaborates on it:
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace [Psalm 37:7-11].”
Meekness rests in the Lord, exercises patience, does not fret and can wait for God to fulfill His promise. Its absence results in restlessness, impatience, irritability and anger, and frustration.
Meekness is not weakness, for Moses, who was anything but weak, is described in scripture as “very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth [Num. 12:3].” Given that description, it is important to note that when Moses momentarily allowed rashness to supersede meekness, he struck the rock, grieving the Spirit of God, and it cost him the privilege of entering into the land of promise. (See Num. 20:7-12)
Meekness is a spiritual quality, characteristic of Christ, Who said, “I am meek and lowly of heart [Mt. 11:29].” It is urged upon believers repeatedly in the New Testament. The spiritual man is urged to restore the wayward believer “in the spirit of meekness [Gal. 6:1]”; believers generally are commanded to walk “with all lowliness and meekness” as necessary to maintaining unity in the church [Eph. 4:2]”; it is to temper our exhortation and reproof of “those that oppose themselves [II Tim. 2:25]”; wives are urged to adorn themselves with “a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price [I Pet. 3:4].” Indeed, meekness is affirmed as essential to our appropriation of the word of God (See Jas. 1:21), and required for translating “knowledge” into “wisdom” (Jas. 3:13). Finally, it is the quality that is to accompany our witness for Christ (I Pet. 3:15).
So large an emphasis makes evident the imperative of meekness in the life of the believer. But, it does not come naturally, nor do any of the virtues commended in the Beatitudes. These are supernatural graces demanding the indwelling presence and government of the Holy Spirit for their realization in our disposition. “The fruit of the Spirit is…meekness [Gal. 5:22-23].” It is not developed by striving, but by surrendering to the Lordship of Christ and abiding in Him.
The heritage of the meek is declared, “they shall inherit the earth,” so stated in both Testaments. If God says a thing once, you had better believe it; if He says it twice, you ought never to forget it! When Satan tempted the Savior he sought to lure Him into a shortcut: “…the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine [Luke 4:5-7].” Those who would inherit the earth now may take that route, but need to remember it will be of short duration. The meek will “wait upon the Lord,” and gain it forever.
“The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD…” Isa. 29:19
For His glory and our good,
"Pastor" Frasier
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