Heirs of the Earth: The Meek
In studying the sermon on the mount (Mt 5–7), especially the beatitudes (Mt 5:1–12), it is apparent that Jesus interprets the Law of Moses in such a way that we should be familiar with the type of person described therein. The eight “blessed” categories are ideal. This is the godly man. Christ Jesus possessed all of these eight attributes; and the benefits also belong to Him. What about the rest of us?
The problem implied by the beatitudes is man’s inability to keep the Law (Rom 8:7). The Law is spiritual, holy, righteous, and perfectly good; however, sinners fall short of God’s standard because of their sin nature and sinful flesh (Rom 5:12; Eph 2:3). This is why the man pictured in the beatitudes is a bit elusive.
When God’s chosen, redeemed are born again, these features of spiritual virtue become evident to some degree in Christians. The man who is poor in spirit knows that he is incapable of attaining the standard of the Law. He is honest about this with himself and with others. He acknowledges that there is nothing good in him, that is, in his flesh (Rom 7:18). The Spirit of truth points this out to him; and he believes it. Thus, he mourns the sins that so easily entangle him. He also mourns the state of society that parades its ungodliness, in such a way that invites the wrath of God (Rom 1:18).
It is the devil who spurs men into competition (Eccl 4:4), even war (Mt 24:6; Mk 13:7). In pride and self-interest, men pursue the praise of others, who also exalt their champions as if they were gods (Gen 3:5). Satan promises the very worst of men an opportunity to be ruler of the world. He, of course, never delivers on his promises; but still, aspiring despots steal, kill, and destroy in their quest for world domination. Competition and pride are promoted very early in childhood. The harvest of those early seeds produces a type of hell on earth.
There is nothing in the natural man to produce godliness. In fact, the whole world lies in the power of the evil one (1 Jn 5:19), who has ordered his world system to be antichrist (1 Jn 4:3). Thus, the man of the world loathes the Christian message of godliness, holiness, and humility. He also despises the lamenting Christian, who considers himself a wretch (Rom 7:24). The man who craves achievement in this life will never allow another person to judge him. He either boasts of his accomplishments in foolish pride; or he justifies and defends his pathetic performance with the promise to return next season with more firepower and premature prate of better results.
Meanwhile, Jesus preached that His disciples would be different. Their course would counter the elementary teachings and principles of the world. Instead of pleasing oneself, our ambition is to please God (Jn 12:43; 2 Cor 5:9); and it is impossible to please God without faith (Heb 11:6). Faith is a gift of God the Spirit (Gal 3:22; Eph 2:8–9; Phil 1:29; 2 Pet 1:1), who is Himself God’s gift sent to His elect, redeemed, and regenerate people (Acts 2:38; 10:45).
The religions of men promote meritorious works as the way to gain approval and favor with a god or gods. Invariably, men take pride in their secular and religious works. Pride is the most notorious sin in the Bible. It is an affront to God because it steals glory from Him. God judges the works of men to be filthy rags (Is 64:6); and man is already condemned (Jn 3:18). Man’s self-boast is utter vanity.
The man who is meek is despised by those void of the Spirit (Ps 2; Jn 14:17; 1 Cor 2:14). It is the Holy Spirit who produces meekness (i.e. gentleness), as a spiritual fruit (Gal 5:22). It is the Spirit of truth who reveals the truth about ourselves through the Scriptures. Further, he is unmoved by the criticism of others. He knows he is exponentially worse than the assessments of his opponents. This man is meek and lowly.
Being meek does not mean one is weak in character or as a decisive action taker. Some of the strongest figures on the pages of Scripture were meek; but God gave them great tasks to perform. One may create a biblical list of exemplary representatives of meekness; and Abraham; Moses; David; Hannah; Mary; and Paul would all be included. Jesus is our best example. Clearly, in His meekness, He was no pushover.
Submission to the will of God helps us to understand what it means to be meek. Knowing that God ordains everything that comes to pass, the Spirit-filled believer is subjected to the various hardships and sufferings God employs to discipline His adopted child (Eph 1:5; Heb 12:4–11). The meek are content with their lot in life. All things are from God (Rom 11:36); and all things are distributed by God in the measure of His choosing.
Inheritance of the earth or inheritance reserved for the child of God in heaven (Mt 5:5; 1 Pet 1:4), both originate with the Giver of every good and perfect gift (Jas 1:17). An inheritance is bestowed by someone for the beneficiary. It is by the will of the testator that the type and amount of inheritance is given. Thus, the meek receive their portion from God with thanksgiving (1 Thess 5:16–17) because the Lord is our portion in the land of the living and forever (Ps 16:5; 73:26; 142:5).
It behooves the Christian to seek meekness; for in doing so, he is seeking Christ (Col 3:2; Heb 12:2). In seeking Christ, the joy of the Lord is increased and ever our strength (Neh 8:10). The meek are in the company of those who see God at work in their midst (Eph 1:18); and in the company of those who have already finished the race (Heb 12:1, 23). The Good Shepherd cares for His own (Ps 23; Jn 10). Those near to Him have it best. Draw near to Him!
Our sovereign God sits in the heavens and does as He pleases (Ps 115:3; 135:6). He has sent His Spirit to His beloved and the life of God manifests in them (Gal 2:20). In the care of Christ (1 Pet 5:7), we enjoy the fullness of every blessing and benefit bequeathed to us who dwell in the gracious will of God (2 Cor 1:20). In His presence are pleasures, forever (Prv 16:11).
Nothing we could achieve or obtain in this life, by our own will and initiative, can compare to the gracious providence of our provider and protector (Ps 23; Jn 10). This removes the need for competition, conflict, or vengeance. In this, we are truly blessed.
The kingdom of heaven is our dwelling place (Jn 14:2–3; Phil 3:20). Christ’s kingdom is here, today, via the indwelling Holy Spirit (Rom 8:9, 11; 14:17); but permanently, in the new heavens and the new earth (Rev 21–22), we shall enjoy our full, royal inheritance (1 Pet 1:4). Pray to God, my dear reader, that our Lord would grant you all the more meekness. Gentleness is one work in God’s people by which He is glorified.
Aspiring to meekness may require the grace of repentance (Acts 5:31; 11:18). Hence, confession of sin is a noble pursuit every day of one’s life. It is recognition that we incessantly fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). The mortification of sin is a good request during prayers of confession. It has its good fruit of increasing meekness. May God grant this to you; and may you know the blessing of meekness, forever.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
May 31, 2024
Matthew 5:5
