Blessed Are the Meek
Today’s Verse:
From Matthew 5:5 ESV
(Jesus said) "“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
We continue our reflection on the Beatitudes, today looking at verse 5:
Loud, self-promoting, power-hungry, strong-willed people have it made in our culture. Meek people do not. Meekness is not a virtue we’re taught to aspire to as children or celebrate as adults. But, again, Jesus goes in a different direction. “Blessed are the meek,” He says. Not the boldest, loudest, or strongest. Meek people will inherit the earth. In a world that prizes aggression, meekness is a strength God is going to put to use.
Biblically, meekness is not the opposite of strength; it is strength under control. It is quiet confidence. It is freedom from the need to prove ourselves to others because we have our worth from God. Moses was described as the meekest man on the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3), and he led the entire nation of Israel out of Egypt. Jesus Himself was “gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29) — and He conquered sin, death, and the devil.
Lutherans, again, understand this beatitude as a promise, not a condition. There’s no ladder for us to climb or tasks to complete. The blessing comes from Christ to those whom the world scorns — the humble, the patient, those who allow others to inflict all sorts of wrongs because they trust that God will set things right in His good time. That is the center of meekness: the faith that rests not on our strength but on God’s justice.
The earth they will inherit is the new creation, the Kingdom of God — already breaking into our world now through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, and fully manifest when He returns. The meek will not fight and claw for a place in this world, for they will inherit it all in hope.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, You taught us meekness. It is not weakness, but power brought into subjection to the Father's will. Teach us to follow You with gentle hearts, patient hands and a faith that trusts Your promises. May we not seek the rewards of this world, but rest in that inheritance which You have prepared for us. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
The photo above was licensed through Unsplash+