5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5 (NASB)
Be-attitudes
We’re now on be-attitude 3 of 8 (or 9). These first three, like the be-attitudes themselves for the entire Sermon, serve as a foundation for the rest of them. Pastor Colin Smith of Orchard Evangelical church in Chicago shares that each of them build on another with the first three being the foundation. Now let’s look at the third, gentleness.
Gentle
Remember that blessed means happy so people who are gentle will be happy. The Hebrew word rendered gentle in NASB is translated as meek and humble in other translations. I am not sure I’d say they are synonyms but rather, someone who is one is probably the others as well. So someone who is meek will also be humble.
Jesus is the best example. How does He describe Himself? In Matthew 11:28-30, v29 says, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus describes His character as humble and gentle. As we survey His deeds on earth, they prove this out.
Inherit the earth
For those with a knowledge of end times events, we know that the earth will come under terrible plagues and tribulation. Worse yet, the earth will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10–12). Jesus certainly wouldn’t pronounce an inheritance in this earth as a blessing. So what is He referring to? Is it an allegory?
After the current heavens and earth pass away, a new heaven and earth will come. (2 Peter 3:10–13) Revelations 21-22 give some detail about the new heavens and earth. This article provides a likely explanation. Suffice it to say, it will be a glorious place. Revelations seems to describe it as heaven on the new earth for God will dwell there.
RЯeflection
- Are you a gentle person? Do you exhibit strength under control? Do you respond to negative situations with peace and calm? Then you are already blessed. Not all of us are gentle by nature. It’s a difficult row to hoe to be gentle for some of us. It takes much practice and repentance.
