Tuesday, 21 June 2022

Matthew 5:5 part 2 of 2

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

In several commentaries on this verse, I found the concept that these "meek" people are those who have abandoned bitterness, and have no revenge motivation. There is even the idea that these people are self-controlled, but that needs some modification. I like the idea of being under control, but self-controlled speaks of "self" which is not necessarily in line with the will of God. Submitted to God or under God's authority would be a preferred point of view. I even like the term "under divine command."

In Israel, we frequently greet someone by saying, Ma Sh'lom'cha? Literally, "What is your shalom?" Idiomatically it means, "How are you?" But inner shalom is a prized possession. It's not just inner peace, but the presence of God in us that the Bible calls, "The hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27 - which BTW, was spoken of Gentiles only, but we trust, applies equally to Jewish people).

The Bible also makes reference to the "peace which surpasses understanding." Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything - but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the shalom of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua. Our minds would tell us to fear, but the shalom of God prevails in our hearts and minds to make us steadfast and confident, not in ourselves, but in Him. These are those who will inherit the earth.