"Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth." -Matthew 5:5
The Beatitudes were spoken to change the attitudes of the people. They are full of power today just as they were when first spoken. Christ began by pointing people to their need of a Savior (the poor in spirit recognize their sin). Then He promised an all-encompassing comfort for the pain of sin (the mourning are forgiven). He then moves to the vaccination for sin.
In Isaiah 14 we read of the beginning of sin on the streets of heaven: "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.'" (vs. 12-14, emphasis added)
Lucifer determined in his heart he would rule himself. He would set his own role in heaven. He was willing to go to the greatest lengths to assume the throne of heaven. His pride, "the essence of all sin", resulted in his expulsion from the throne room of God where he has served and, ultimately, heaven. (Andrews Study Bible [ASB], p.878 - fn)
Jesus speaks to the people in the mountain sermon and reveals the vaccination to self-centeredness and pride. "Blessed are the meek." The meekness Jesus speaks of is a self so consumed by Jesus they act, and react, as Christ. There is no consideration of themselves except they be hidden in Christ. They sit at the feet of Jesus and are taught in His school. His words are their textbook and come alive in their lives. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle (meek) and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29)
The meek take Jesus at His word and follow after Him through self-denial. (Matthew 16:24) "The independence and self-supremacy in which we glory are seen in their true vileness as tokens of servitude to Satan. Human nature is ever struggling for expression, ready for contest; but he who learns of Christ is emptied of self, of pride, of love of supremacy, and there is silence in the soul." (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings, p. 15)
Christ longs to bring silence and peace to our troubled hearts. His example of self-denial, surrender and sacrifice serve as the greatest announcement of His peace. In the face of His accusers He could stand silent. Not because He was ignorant or weak; because He was wise and meek. Christ could endure the taunts and jeers because He surrendered to His Father's will. The physical pain held no weight compared to the thought of denying His Father. In His silence He declared ownership of this world and the next. He reclaimed earth for us.
Today He offers us the world through surrender. Some say God is waiting to make us all millionaires if only we would pray harder and read our Bibles more. God says He wants to give us the peace surpassing the understanding of the world. When we place His yoke on our shoulders the world is ours. When we humbly surrender to His Spirit's work in our hearts, the terrors and traumas of earth hold no influence on us. And soon, so very soon, the new earth will also be ours.
Be blessed. Be meek. Claim your inheritance.
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