Be Meek, Hungry, Merciful

Matthew 5:5-7 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” 
 
IN the world’s view meekness is weakness. In the Kingdom view, meekness is a Jesus-centered strength. The Apostle Paul says meekness is “to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all people.” (Titus 3:2) To be meek is to be polite, humble and thankful for all things. Meekness is having enough of Christ in us to be at peace with all unpleasant matters that come our way.
   Yes, when adversity comes, we are prone on those dark days to speak and think that God or all the world is against us. Meekness, though, guides our heart to stay steady as we trust our sovereign Lord cares for and strengthens us in all circumstances.
   Consider this. If Jesus had not been of a meek attitude, submitting to the Father's will even unto death, he would not have completed the Father's work here on earth. We, then, would not have a Savior. Great eternal blessing comes out of meekness. “Inherit the earth” is an end-time prophecy. As Jesus taught on Kingdom life now, he also pointed to the future Kingdom. Jesus’ faithful followers will live on the new Heaven and earth described in Revelation 21.
   Meekness, too, leads to a hunger and thirst for righteousness. It must be our desire to consume the Word with a hunger and thirst to live well for Jesus. Faithful disciples are disciplined to consume Jesus with a great desire to know him, so he fills our hearts, minds and souls.
   We know mercy, too, when we know Jesus. After all, he’s our merciful Savior, isn’t he? And when you think of someone who is merciful, who comes to mind? Perhaps you consider a clergy person, health care worker or someone in your family who has a gift of loving, tender care. Mothers are often portrayed as people with a special gift for mercy. Mercy brings to mind gracious and good people.
   But is there any problem in being merciful? The world’s view would say there is. “Don’t forgive.” “Get even.” “Take care of yourself first.” The human nature seeks conflict and division. Mercy is far from the culture’s mind.
   To be merciful in the true sense of the word, we must have a heart willing to give and to forgive. We must be prepared to stop our agenda to adjust to the needs of others God places in our path. Even more, mercy causes us to seek places where we can demonstrate this gift of God's peace and grace.
Yes, it is interesting how people look upon the merciful. Sometimes people may be suspicious of our motives. Sometimes, the person is incredulous that you would want to help. Sometimes people are very appreciative.
As in the other blessings on the Sermon on the Mount, there is a promise from the Son of Man that the Holy God will reward those who seek the King and live the Kingdom life.