Inherit the Earth: Matthew 5:5
““5) Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 ESV
Nine words packed with volumes of meaning. Some translations render this as “blessed are the gentle.” It embodies the idea of being emotionally, mentally and spiritually composed no matter the outward circumstances.
Proverbs 25:28 says; “Like a city that is broken into and without walls, is a man who has no control over his spirit.” This pictures to opposite of meekness. Self control is a fruit of the Spirit. It is the ultimate expression of peace, composure and control. Make no mistake, meekness is not weakness!
Meekness is a personification of Jesus. In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus said; “28) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29) 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. 30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (KJV) Notice the phrase “I am meek and lowly in heart.” Other translations say things like “gentle and humble in heart.” Jesus is giving us a glimpse into His inner tranquility.
Notice the context of these verses. Jesus is offering calm, peace, solitude and healing to those whose lives are pressured, exasperated or out of control. I dare say, Jesus is the only source of inner calm in this present world.
During his public ministry, Jesus calmed every storm He encountered. He offers to do the same for you and me. He doesn’t cause storms… He calms them. If your life is raging out of control, you need to put your faith in Jesus Christ and invite Him into your life.
Now the promise; “they shall inherit the earth.” In the Old Testament, the Children of Israel yearned to move from the slavery of Egypt to the promised land. The New Testament has a different focus. It ends with Jesus returning and setting up His kingdom on earth. (Revelation 20-21)
His kingdom will bring peace, calm, goodness, love, health and order to earth. Satan will be bound for one thousand years and there will be no pain, sickness, suffering or corruption. Those who come to Jesus as Savior and Lord will rule and reign with Him during that time. This will be the literal fulfillment of the promise that “the meek shall inherit the earth.”
Let me stress; this present world is not our home, we are just passing through. Satan is the god of this present world. This present earthly chaos is the result of mankind rejecting God. There’s not much here worth wrangling over. Don’t waste your time hoarding treasures here and now. They will rust out, break down and become a source of contention. They cannot deliver inner peace, solitude or hope. You will forever be worried and preoccupied about someone stealing your fleeting treasures.
Let’s face it, this present earth is a mess. It would be cruel humor for God to offer this present fallen and broken world as our inheritance. If this is where you are staking your claim, you are making a terrible mistake. He has a very different plan and something infinitely better.
As we read on in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught His Disciples to pray; “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (See Matthew 6:10) We now encounter the word “earth” again, only this time it is connected to His coming kingdom. That catches my attention. My heart is focused on Jesus and the promised future inheritance that will accompany His kingdom and reign on earth.
This will be followed by the mystery of eternity and a new heaven and earth. That will also include the New Jerusalem. (Read Revelation 21-22) This is way to much to unpack in this post, but… I can only imagine!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
