This is our final post on the Beatitude, Meekness. These first three beatitudes relate together. They reflect the beginning stages of both true conversion and growth in the Spirit of God. When you or I catch a glimpse of how amazing God is and where we stand in comparison, suddenly a realization takes place, deep in our heart... He is God and I am not!!! We realize our need for Him, for you see apart from Him we can do nothing of lasting value! This is what it is to be poor in spirit and is the entry point into the Kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit
(realize their need for God. NLT)
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
When you truly see your own sin and need for God, you will experience the important godly sorrow of mourning. "For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted... just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness... what desire, zeal, vindication, you have done everything necessary to make things right" 2 Corinthians 7:10, 11 NKJ/NLT This is the kind of sorrow necessary for true repentance and conversion. With this godly sorrow, comes the comfort of the comforter, the Holy Spirit of God.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
Matthew 5:4 NKJ
Once a person has seen their need for God and mourned over their sin and the lost opportunity of what might have been; a meekness and humility may emerge. Meekness and humility are not weakness but power under perfect control. A person moving in this beatitude, fully trusting God and not his own strength will be blessed by God.
What is the Blessing of Meekness?
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
Matthew 5: 5 NKJ
"... the meek shall inherit the earth,
and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."
Psalm 37:11 NKJ
When you get a chance, read all of Psalm 37 and you will see what meekness looks like in a very practical way. You will also see the blessing of Meekness in the lives of those who completely trust in God.
Where does true conversion and humility before God lead?
"As the Scriptures say,
'God opposes the proud but favors the humble, (gives grace)'
So humble yourselves before God...
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor."
James 4:7-10 NLT
"Serve each other in humility, for
'God opposes the proud but favors the humble.'
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God,
and at the right time He will lift you up in honor."
1 Peter 5:5,6 NLT
Coming soon Sunday April 5th marks the beginning of Passion week. Soon a little guide will post that will help you find readings of the last week of Jesus' life. You can also find this in the menu bar at the top of this sight. It is my hope and prayer that each of you, dear readers, will spend time with Jesus in the Word, seeing His final week and what was important for Him to say before He left this world to return to the Father. Consider the humility of Jesus' from the verses below: |
| Carl Bloch |
Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death, and God raised Him up in glory and honor. So too when we humble ourselves before Him, He will lift us up in honor and bless us. A few weeks ago, I received news of the death of a dear man I know. His sudden death reminded me of how truly fragile we are. It was pouring rain outside one morning as I came before the Lord. I felt very gloomy and remembered how Jesus wept when He saw the pain and grief Mary and Martha when Lazarus died. The Lord comforted me and gave me a sense of hope. Here are the verses He gave me:
"We look forward with hope to that wonderful day
when the glory of our great God and Savior,
Jesus Christ, will be revealed."
Titus 2:13 NLT
"But He has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears.
But we do know we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He really is."
I John 3:2,3 NLT
"We confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory."
Romans 5: 2 NLT
Wow! We will see Him in glory, the manifestation of the outshining of His inward being. We will see Him as He really is. Amazingly, we will be like Him, sharing in His wonderful glory.
Where does this meek humility before God lead? To blessing... honor and to be like Him in glory in the ages to come! Hallelujah!!!
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