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On The Upper Room Discourse Re-Release For Lent 2024

March 4—Lent Devotional 2013

As you read and reflect on today’s beatitude, please listen to this track from contemporary Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. We will feature this track throughout Lent.

The Beatitudes

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5

Jesus proclaims the good news of God’s kingdom and how the meek will reign on earth with Him. Far from being weak, meekness is strength under control to serve the good of others. The Greek philosopher Plato opened a window onto the heroic quality of meekness. Writing in The Republic, Plato called a sheepdog “meek”, that is, ferocious with the wolves but gentle with the flock. Here again we see in meekness a quiet strength and courage ready to serve.

Jesus’ meekness was never passive but always proactive on behalf of others. It was meekness that propelled Him into the temple to overturn the moneychangers and drive them out of His Father’s house (Matthew 21:12-13). The meekness of Jesus marks godly leadership as gentle with the flock, and fierce with the flock’s enemies. Jesus blesses those whose strength is harnessed to serve. It is only to such people that God entrusts the future of this world, as they will inherit the earth.

Meek people know well their spiritual poverty, are comfortable in their own skins, and glad to see others do well. “They do not look down on themselves, but they do not think too highly of themselves either” (Bruce Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary).

PONDER AND PRAY

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgement, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”—Romans 12:3

  • What does it mean to you that Jesus is “meek and lowly of heart” (Matthew 11:29)?
  • What Do YOu Want To say To God?

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