“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)

Meek is not weak. It is a term used by horse trainers, both in New Testament times and today. It means power under control. All the power and strength of the horse is focused through its training to accomplish its task, carry a rider or a burden, or even win the race. When we come to Jesus in faith, we are to learn to live in His power as we learn from Him. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV) The question is, from whom are we learning? Are we really learning from Jesus? As disciples are we following Him?

The word meek also means that one is humble, gentle, considerate, and courteous. In the list of the fruit of the Spirit, the last two reflect meekness as they are “gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:23) The easy way of life is filled with what comes through our lives because of sin. The more difficult road is the one where we follow Jesus as we learn to live our lives in obedience to Him. This is because we have one who will challenge us as we follow Jesus. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) When we are meek, we are learning from Jesus, and we are using His power in our lives as we overcome our enemy. “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:9-10)

Peter, who had stood His ground in the garden with violence, then would deny Jesus as He warmed himself by the fire. He knew what it was to appear to stand strong and yet he also knew about failing miserably. As he matured in his faith, he was learning from Jesus how to be meek and in humility stand strong. “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3)

The result of meekness is to “inherit the land.” This is a promise. A promise linked to eternity. “A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.” (Psalm 37:10-11) Jesus joins with the Psalmist as they look to the future where the wicked will receive their judgment, and those united with Jesus will see their eternal home.

“Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.’” (Revelation 21:1-3)

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block