Scripture

“Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth.

~Matthew 5:5, NASB

Quote

Patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet.

~Aristotle

The word translated ‘gentle’ in the NASB is most often translated ‘humble’ or ‘meek’. None do injustice to the Greek word which means all three and we could throw in ‘mild.’ Matter of fact, Charles Wesley put it in song,

Gentle Jesus, meek and mild,
Look upon a little child;
Pity my simplicity,
Suffer me to come to Thee.

As you have heard it stated many times: meekness is not weakness. Moses was meek but I would never characterize him as weak. Gentleness or meekness is strength under control. I always use the illustration of a draft horse. This mass of muscle and strength can stomp his trainer but he does not; instead he uses his great strength to please his trainer or master. The gentle are often mistreated. They become a target for the evil and ruthless. The tyrants, brutes and power hungry lord over the gentle and make their lives more difficult. No one fears gentleness. This is why children are drawn to gentle people; they are not afraid of them. I can’t remember who said it, but I heard someone say, “If I were looking to find a great man, I would look among the children.” I noticed on one episode of the CHOSEN the disciple are to themselves arguing as usual and Jesus is off to the side playing with the children. It is hard to fool a child. Innocence has a clearer Lens than does guilt. Children see things that grown ups miss. This is why Lucy sees Aslan when no one else does.

So, the conclusion that the world would come to is that the strong will rule and there is no strength in humility or gentleness. BUT that is not what Jesus said. He said, “The meek will inherit the earth.” Ultimately, the rich and powerful will not rule, it will be the poor and lowly, the meek and mild. Your flesh is probably screaming…not possible, power and might are greater than humility and gentleness. Are you sure you want to go against Jesus? Perhaps you should rethink a thing or two. Why not start with the CROSS. Who were the strong, the proud and the powerful? The Romans and the Jewish religious leaders, right. Who prevailed? Apparently they did, because Jesus was executed, but it is only in appearance; in fact Jesus won the greatest victory in the history of time. What happened to the Romans? What happened to the corrupt Jewish priesthood and the powerful high priest? Neither exist; they have gone the way of the earth, nothing but dust and a memory. What about Jesus and His kingdom! Who really gained the victory at Calvary? It was not the Romans are the Rich and powerful Jews.

Extra

Got to love this weather: thank YOU Jesus! Got more tree removal work today. My big saw had to be repaired and I get it back today and they help. LORD willing I should get both trees cleaned up today. Joe David had a huge pine fall on his power line. Lori counted the rings in it yesterday and it is 40 years old. It is huge. The only maple in my yard is not that bad.

I hope you have a great Tuesday and thanks for reading the blog.