Power under control

The news declares the latest move by nations who are trying to take over other nations, people groups that are determined to have what other groups have, power-hungry people who want to inherit the earth. Their efforts will not get them what they crave.

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

What is meekness? Some Bible versions translate it as ‘gentle’ with the idea of humility and non-retaliation. This word was used to describe a gentle breeze, a soothing medicine, or a tame horse, examples of power under control. A gentle breeze brings pleasure, but a hurricane brings destruction; a soothing medicine brings healing, but an overdose can kill; a tamed horse is useful, but a wild horse is dangerous. Jesus Christ is the best human example. He said:

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29)

He is described as “being in the form of God, (but) did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6–8) And in His meekness, “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” (1 Corinthians 10:26) He could have taken it by force but did not. He choose meekness.

Christ rode into Jerusalem astride a donkey rather than a stallion like others who conquered enemies. He “suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats” (1 Peter 2:21–23).

But He was not weak or cowardly. He never defended Himself, but when His Father’s house was being desecrated, He made a whip and beat those who were defiling it Jesus boldly pronounced judgment on unrepentant sinners, never compromised His integrity, never disobeyed His Father’s will. When the Jewish religious leaders expected commendation, He condemned them and called them children of the devil (John 8:44). They retaliated by having Him crucified. His power was always under control; theirs wasn’t.

Jesus, I’ve never desired to ‘inherit the earth’ but I do desire to be like You. This beatitude requires faith, trusting You to take care of those who are contrary to Your will and determined to eradicate from the face of the planet those who are meek like You. Every day, hundreds of Christ-followers are put to death, often in horrible ways, yet those guilty of such persecution do not realize that they are putting them off this sin-sick place into Your eternal presence and perfection. Even in death, meekness wins — just as it did when You died for the sin of the world and rose again to eternal life. Meekness requires humility. Forgive my pride that pops up far too often. Enable me to allow the Spirit of meekness to rule my thoughts, words, and actions.

ADD THIS: Read Proverbs 16:32; Ephesians 4:1–2; Colossians 3:12; and Titus 3:1–2 to see what meekness looks like. Remember that this virtue comes only through the power of God!