Matthew 5:5; 16:24-28

Jesus here confronts another common misconception.  We think, Happy are the self-seeking for they shall get what they want.  Jesus says, Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.  Meekness is not one of the favorite words in our world.  It is opposed to self-assertiveness and any other self concept.  It is related to humility and gentleness.  The underlying principle is: I am complete in Christ and have all things, including the power of God at my disposal.  Consider the following thoughts from various Bible scholars:

·        Richard Trench: … being first of all a meekness before God, is also such in the face of men, even of evil men, out of a sense that these, with the insults and injuries which they may inflict, are permitted and employed by Him for the chastening and purifying of His elect.

·        Vine: Meekness … the opposite of self-assertiveness and self- interest; it is equanimity of spirit that is neither elated nor cast down, simply because it is not occupied with self at all.

·        A. T. Robertson: The ancients (Greek philosophers) ... did not rank it as a virtue ... But Jesus lifted the word to a nobility never attained before.

·        F. B. Meyer: They are prepared to sink all considerations of their own standing and position ... to bless men who do not want to be blessed, to vanquish hate by love, and rebellion by loving-kindness and tender mercy ... The way to become meek is to be absorbingly taken up with the love of Christ for men. ... They are not weak but rather are strong in patience, and strenuous in seeking the salvation of others.  Let the cause of righteousness, justice or truth be in question, none are so unbending, or stalwart as they.

You can see that, as is often said, meekness is not weakness.  There is a deep strength in one who does not need to demand his own way or rights.  That is why it is promised that they inherit the earth.  They do not take it; it is given them by God who is the source of blessing.  As Israel was promised earthly blessings, so believers today are promised every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3).

If we step back and consider the first three beatitudes we see that Jesus has dealt a blow at the very goals men pursue in search of happiness.  As 1 John 2:16 notes, men seek after …

1.              The lust of the eyes (materialism, things; but Jesus says blessed are the poor in spirit).

2.              The lust of the flesh (hedonism, whatever feels good; but Jesus says blessed are those who mourn).

3.              The pride of life (self-actualization, “me”; but Jesus says blessed are the meek).

In dealing with sin one comes to Christ by faith at this point.  Having seen his sin (poor in spirit) and sorrowed over it (those who mourn) he now humbles himself before the Savior to receive the forgiveness offered.  In your pursuit of happiness have you come to Christ in this way?