Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5, verse 5.

In a world that prizes self-assertion, self-promotion, pride, and personal rights, the meek are overlooked and even despised. Yet Jesus declares that it is the meek, the lowly, the humble, who are truly blessed.

This meekness is not natural to the human heart. It does not come from a gentle personality or a quiet temperament. True meekness is the fruit of the Spirit and springs from a heart humbled before a holy God. It flows from the soul that has been emptied of self-righteousness, broken over sin, and made to bow before the majesty of divine holiness.

The meek man sees himself rightly, as a sinner saved by grace alone. He does not fight for his own importance or honor, because he knows he has none in himself. He is content to be little, because Christ is everything. Like Job, he says, Behold, I am vile. Job 40.4 And like the publican, he beats his breast, crying, God, have mercy on me a sinner. Luke 18.13

Yet far from being weak, meekness is a mark of true strength. It takes far more power to submit to God's will, to quietly bear wrongs, and to put others before oneself than to rise up in pride and retaliation. The meek do not demand their way. They trust God to order all things for their good and His glory.

And what is their reward? They shall inherit the earth. though now they may be poor, obscure, and afflicted. They shall one day reign with Christ. The proud may rule for a season, but it is the meek who will possess the earth when Jesus returns to make all things new. The new heavens and the new earth are prepared not for the boastful, but for the lowly and humble in heart.

Oh, what comfort this brings to weary, struggling saints, you who feel the weight of your unworthiness and marvel that God would save you! Take heart, you are blessed. You may be despised by the world, but God Almighty smiles upon you. Your Savior was meek and lowly, and you are being made like Him.

Gracious Father, humble my heart before you. Let me not seek my own honor or insist on my own way, but teach me the beauty of meekness. Let my soul be quiet under your hand, trusting that you will lift up the humble in due time. May I find all my delight and reward in Christ alone, in whose name I pray, Amen.