“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
The crowd that gathered around Jesus that day knew what it was like to be submissive. They had nothing. They lived under the power and dominion of the Romans. At times they felt anything but blessed. Those who knew the scriptures would recognize that Jesus was quoting a verse from Psalm 37:11 “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”
The definition of meek is quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive.
Jesus was telling them that the next step in their entering the kingdom was to submit themselves to the Lord, fully depending on Him. He had told them that repentance was turning away from sin. We are not naturally inclined to meekness, because of the sinful nature we were born with. When we obediently decide to surrender our will to God, meekness and humility will follow. It is an attitude toward God that we do not earn, but it happens when we turn our lives over to Him.
The Apostle Peter used the word “meek” in his advice for how a woman who loved God should live. “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” I Peter 3:4.
Jesus demonstrated what it meant to be meek, when He rode into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey, fulfilling the prophecy recorded in Zechariah 9:9. “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”
Jesus set the example for us all, demonstrating a meek and quiet spirit throughout His earthly ministry and even during the suffering He endured as He was arrested, tried, and crucified.
We are blessed indeed, when we fully surrender to the Lord, and let His Spirit guide us and direct us every step of the way. Our reward will be great.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for forgiving our sins, and making us part of your great kingdom. Help us to manifest a meek and quiet spirit every day.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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