The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 3

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”
                               Matthew 5:5 (KJV)
 
Hi friends,
     How are you today?  As I looked at The Beatitudes and prepared for today’s blog post, I noticed that this is the only beatitude (at least in the Sermon on the Mount) where Jesus says, “shall inherit the earth”.


​Most of the Bible verses that I remember say, “shall inherit the kingdom of heaven”, so I am wondering if this is significant.  There are different thoughts on what that means and to tell you the truth, I am not sure of it’s meaning.  Yet, with prayer and God’s help, I will write this post and prayerfully bring meaning to us all.
     First, let’s look at the first part.  Many times, we think of “meek” as shy, timid people, who let people walk all over them.  However, in keeping with the rest of the beatitudes, meek has to do with our spiritual wellbeing and way to eternal life.  It has nothing to do with how we are to people.  It is a submission to God, not a submission to others. Although, when we submit to God, often that means we are also submitting to others indirectly.  
     For example, when we turn the other cheek, we do so because God has called us to do so.  God wants to fight our battles for us.  He wants the vengeance.  He doesn’t want us to take things into our own hands.  It shows strength and not weakness to not fight back when we are hurt, angered, or criticized.  We are submitting to God, by not fighting back.  But in worldly views, it looks like we are submitting to people as well.
     Now, with an understanding of who is meant by the word meek, we can look at the second part.  It is only these people who submit to God that “shall inherit the earth”. So, what does that mean?  
     Well, we know that inherit means to get or receive something, usually after a loved one has passed away.  Like it is passed onto us, when someone is through with it or releases ownership.  An inheritance is something that is given and gifted to us, many times through a will or rather the will of the person who passes away.
     God gives us many things both here on earth and also in heaven. It is God’s will that we follow Him, submit to Him, and do His will for us.  If we do that, we will get His will.  We will receive all the good things he has in store for us, not only here on earth, but in heaven as well.  Jesus also tells us that He can give us peace; a peace unlike anything the world can give us.  (John 16:33) Is this what is meant, by “shall inherit the earth”?
     I think, for me, it is best described in Matthew 6:33… “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  In other words, if you seek and do God’s will, you will get the desires of your heart on earth (because they will be aligned with God’s will for us) and we will get what God has planned for us in heaven as well.  What do you think?
     
Heavenly Father, 
     Thank you for showing us the way to You.  Thank you for giving us the Beatitudes so that we know what you want for us.  Please, help us to not only live according to your words in Matthew 5:5, but also according to your will for us in everything.  I ask you this through your Son, Jesus.  Amen.
 
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Reflective questions for Matthew 5:5 (KJV):
*What does Matthew 5:5 mean to me?
*What is meant be the word meek?
*What is meant by the word inherit?
*What is meant by “shall inherit the earth”?
*Why does it say “shall inherit the earth” instead of “shall inherit the 
 kingdom of heaven”?
*What can I do to better live according to the words in Matthew 5:5?
*How can I better live according to the will of God?

Now, it is your turn.
     What are your thoughts?  I would be interested in hearing your interpretation and thoughts on Matthew 5:5.  I always look forward to the thoughts of others.  Please, feel free to comment below or contact me.  If you find value in the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations, please share it with friends and family, as well as on your social media sites.  Also, if you haven't already, you may want to sign up below to receive the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations and other faith content in your inbox.

P.S. -  If you haven't already, you may want to go back and read the other posts in The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations:
The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 1
The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 2

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