Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). The word translated 'meekness' is the regular word for a animal being domesticated. For instance a horse answers to it's reigns and thus becomes useful. A horse brought under control is just as strong as it was when it was unbroken, but broken it becomes useful to it's owner. Sometimes the word 'meekness' is translated 'gentle'. An animal that is no longer wild, but gentle is ready to receive training which will make it useful.

Of course Jesus is not talking about animals, He is talking about people. When we try to go our own way we defeat the purpose for which we were created. When we rebel at the instruction that God would give us we demonstrate hard headedness not meekness. Meekness is a humble spirit. Meekness is like the calmness that comes over the crying child that is finally consoled in it's mother's arms. No more resistance, just surrender.

This 'meekness' or 'gentleness' is a spiritual quality that serves us well in many areas. When we hear the word of the Lord, we are to receive it with meekness (James 1:21). The word may rebuke us, correct us, and convict us but yet we are to receive it with meekness. Also when giving an answer to someone who has asked about our faith, that answer should be given in meekness (I Peter 3:15).

Jesus said the meek shall "inherit the earth". If He would have said they shall inherit heaven, we would have understood immediately. Think though for a moment of the freedom that a Christian has. Those who have not bowed to the Father's will, are inherited by the earth. The earth enslaves them. They are owned and driven by what they can possess of it. But the meek is never mastered by the things that are here. He understands and appreciates the creation as it's Creator intended, yet also sees its temporary status. Like Paul, said of himself, "having nothing yet possessing all things" (II Corinthians 6:10). He also said to the Corinthians, "all things belong to you" (I Corinthians 3:22). Indeed in Christ all can be ours.

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