And, The Third

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

This one raised a lot of questions for me. Does meekness mean the same thing as humble? Why would I want to inherit the earth when it is in such bad shape. According to our leaders, mankind has made a mess of things and we have to make worldwide changes just to keep living on this accidental planet. Why in the world would I want to inherit problems.

Of course, the spiritual truth is quite a bit different. The earth is the Lord’s according to 1 Corinthians 10:26. I must admit here that I like the way the KJV puts it – “fulness thereof”, rather than “everything in it.” Think about it.

Any way, let’s take a look at the Pulpit commentary for a bit more explanation. Consider where the phrase "Shall inherit the earth” is used elsewhere in the Bible. First in Isaiah 60:21 when Isaiah is prophesying about the restored Jerusalem; and Jesus has referred to the following verses, Isaiah 61:1-2, to described His ministry in Luke 4:21. May I say again how well Jesus knew the inspired scriptures?

The phrase is used often in relation to the meek in Psalms 37:9, 11, 22, 29, 34.  According to the Pulpit Commentary:

Meekness is rather the attitude of the soul towards another when that other is in a state of activity towards it. It is the attitude of the disciple to the teacher when teaching; of the son to the father when exercising his paternal authority; of the servant to the master when giving him orders. It is therefore essentially as applicable to the relation of man to God as to that of man to man.

There is no doubt in my mind that I am a disciple to Christ as He is teaching. I have no doubt that God is my Father and He will exercise paternal authority. Absolutely am I the servant looking to God as my master. Feel free to ask me about these relationships!

So, the answers I get are that meekness does not equal humility, but is the concept of learning from someone that has much more to teach than we can know. That makes a good spot for it in Christian growth.

I also understand that the earth we see today is not the one to be inherited. Today’s earth – or at least the majority of the inhabitants – exploit the richness for now, to satisfy current desires, not essential needs. We go way past food, shelter and comfort, seeking luxury beyond our means. Those who have extreme means find ways to spend on passing fancies, and we envy their way of life. Think of the money spent by and on celebrities just to watch and envy their indulgences. Is that meekness? What are we learning from them? Is that what we are to inherit?

The Bible has answers for that, too. Those answers do not match the standards of the world.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2 KJV)