The man of whom God approves is the one who embodies the
characteristics seen the Sermon on the Mount and especially the Beatitudes or the
attitudes that we should be. This is
also the one truly blessed by God.
Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” As Jesus continues his preparation of the hearts
of those who will follow him, he speaks of meekness. While meekness is not
weakness, but rather defined as tamed strength. Meekness is seen alongside
traits such as lowliness (Eph. 4:2), as a quiet spirit (1 Pet. 3:4), and
gentleness (Titus 3:2). Jesus portrayed perfectly in His life this attitude of
meekness and used it as the inviting quality to “come unto [Him, added W.R.] all ye that
labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest…” (Mt. 11:28).
The blessing of this quiet
strength is inheriting the earth. Not in the fanciful sense of the Watchtower
Society’s teaching of a literal abiding on this earth (Mt. 24:35), but rather
as one who can enjoy the true blessings of the earth. In the Gospel Advocate
commentary, H. Leo Boles commented: “The real enjoyment of earthly blessings
belongs not to those who grasp for them and assert and maintain them with a
grip so tight, but rather the one who holds to them lightly and do not fear
losing them as earthly possessions go.”
~Wayne Rodgers
