Matthew 5 : 5 & 6
Vs. 5 ” Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”
Vs. 6 ” Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”
With this series there is a progression of truth that builds upon each other, much like the building of a home – an analogy that we used last week. So in review, last weeks “Be Attitudes” (or attitudes to be) were to be “poor in spirit” and to “mourn.” These two initial attributes prepare the way for the soul to receive the following ‘Be Attitude’ of meekness. Meekness, or ‘Pautes’ in the Greek, is a great word. In our culture meekness conveys weakness; it is anything but that. By Greek definition its emphasis is not so much defined by our actions towards our fellow man, as much as it is defined by our relationship and attitude towards God. Pautes attest to a deeper knowing of God. That inspite of struggles, unfair treatment, or unanswered questions, there is a quiet trusting in one’s soul that does not allow circumstances or ” lack of ” to define God. Rather it believes and allows God’s history, written Word (The Bible), and the testimony of the Cross to define Him. In so being defined, remains unshaken. A quiet trust resides knowing that in all God does comes to good for the soul that waits on Him. A great verse for this is found in Jeremiah 29.11 ” For I know the thoughts that I think towards thee, thoughts to prosper you and not for your harm, to give you an expected end…. vs. 13 and ye shall seek me and find me when you shall seek me with all your heart.”
Aristotle defines “meekness” as the middle of two extremes – between explosive anger and not taking action at all. Therefore by his definition, it means getting mad for the right reason (not for self), in the right time, and in the correct measure (anger in control). Spiritually speaking then it is a soul in submission to the will and purposes of God. It does not seek glory or justification for itself, but is only concerned about God’s glory (honor) and His purposes. If there is to be anger it is not for self, but for the purposes of God. For pride and self will are opposing forces to the work of God in the human soul. It is right even within oneself, to be angry at the carnal instincts that only seek to exalt and glorify self and not God’s purpose in our life. It is only the soul “growing” in submission to God that has the promise of God, “for they shall inherit the earth.” People often get offended at this saying. It speaks of a separation or division of people, yet would you welcome strangers in your home? Is not our homes for friends and family? We would not open our door to someone who lived in opposition to us, who spoke against us; they would have to change and then be found trustworthy. God is no different. Just like the inheritance of the father is passed to his children, so our Heavenly Father has an inheritance that is only passed down to those who seek to be His children. It’s our decision, the invitation goes to all.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be satisfied. Only people who are sick, dying or dead no longer have an appetite. Spiritually speaking our souls hunger for significance, for peace, for love, for self esteem, for purpose etc., and there are a million substitutes (counterfeits) to the life of faith. They bring satisfaction for a time, but then we are left hungering again. The promise we have is if we make the decision to hunger and thirst for righteousness, we will find a “filling” a completion, a sense that I am now home. “Godliness” or righteousness is a gift from God. No man can produce it. It is born from the Holy Spirit. “If godliness is not from deep within you, it is only a mask. The mere outward appearance of godliness is as changeable as a garment. When godliness is produced in you from the Life that is deep in you, then godliness is real and lasting, and the genuine essence of The Lord” (quoted from Gunyon). Which gives strength to the person to live a forward moving life that seeks to grow in the grace and knowledge of God. A life void of internal strength succumbs to surrounding pressure. A Spirit born godliness is an internal strength that exceeds all strengths. It starts small, like a tree seedling, but as one seeks The Lord it grows just like a Redwood tree that matures to a 100′ ft.
The life of faith is not an easy life, but life is not easy. To hunger for The Lord and his righteousness is to hunger for something that cannot be taken from you. Everything else is “on loan.” Between the calamities in life, old age and death itself, a man or woman is only left with their soul in the end. What “food” are we feeding our soul? Is it building righteousness in us? Are we feeding on the values and priorities of a world that we are simply passing through? Be smart, life is short.
Father God,
Your teaching is strong, and it seeks to remove from us the values of a world that will not last and is in opposition to Your will for us. Much like a doctor that seeks to cut away the cancer, that if left unchecked will take one’s life. Your words seek to do the same. The cancer of pride and self ambition are opposed to your authority in our life. Help us to see that and give us ears to hear your truth and hearts that hunger and thirst for your righteousness. Thank you and Amen