Sunday, The Meek Shall Inherit

^{PSALM 37: 7-11 (NIV)}

⁷ Be still before the Lord
    and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
    when they carry out their wicked schemes.

⁸ Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
    do not fret—it leads only to evil.
⁹ For those who are evil will be destroyed,
    but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

¹⁰ A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
    though you look for them, they will not be found.
¹¹ But the meek will inherit the land
    and enjoy peace and prosperity.

 

THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT

Who are the meek? The humble---who don't second guess God's timing.  And the dependent---who leave vindication and vengeance to God.   David says they will possess the land, but Jesus speaks of meekness that inherits the whole earth (Matthew 5:5) Christians confess they have no power at all to save themselves and depend and rely wholly on the sheer grace of God.  But how is that even possible? Because Jesus became and helpless (Matthew 11:29), like a lamb before his shearers.  And why can Christians literally inherit the whole earth?  Because he took our punishment, Jesus was striped of everything---they cast lots for his last possession, his garment.  His amazing, loving meekness creates meekness in us. 

PRAYER:  Lord, how I want the peace in my heart that comes from spiritual humility.  I want the humility that rests in your wise dealings, the humility that makes bitterness impossible.  You are 'gentle and humble in heart,'  so teach me this 'rest for the soul.'  Amen

From The Songs of Jesus, A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms, By Timothy Keller