We may suffer, yet in every season we are always found rejoicing. We may be poor, yet we bestow great riches on many. We seem to have nothing, yet in reality we possess all things.
2 Corinthians 6:10 TPT
The phrase “inherit the earth” is a well-known and often-quoted verse from the Bible found in Matthew 5:5. As we continue studying the Sermon on the Mount (the beatitudes), it is important to consider what the Lord meant when He said, “…they will inherit the earth.” Throughout history, people have interpreted the phrase in various ways. It is still a subject of discussion and debate among scholars and theologians. Some see it as a literal promise of material prosperity and possession of the land. Others view it as a spiritual promise of eternal life and being co-heirs with Christ.
Meanwhile, we have clearly established that to inherit the earth is not a reward for meekness. Also, from 2 Corinthians 6:10, we realized that it does not necessarily means that the meek will have abundant material possessions. In fact, it is important to mention that though God provides for His servants’ need, He does not reward them with material pay. He will let us do and dare for Him without a bribe. God does not attach false importance to material possessions. On the contrary, He asks us to “…seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33). So, material possessions are gifts from God to us and not a reward for righteous living.
Therefore, to understand the meaning of “inherit the earth,” let us consider what the scripture says about the Lord Jesus Christ, the meekest man ever.
Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:] Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11 AMPC
It was because of the Lord Jesus’ meekness (obedience) that God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every other name. At the mention of the name of Jesus every knee must bow. Every tongue must openly confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Likewise, Moses, who had an intimate relationship with God. In fact, he had God come to his defense and speak on his behalf.
Then He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face, even plainly, and not in dark sayings; And he sees the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?”
Numbers 12:6-8 NKJV
Meanwhile, I would like to mention that the meek and Christians are generally not called to live in penury. In fact, there are instances when this inheritance comes with material possession such as in the case of Joseph. Despite all the challenges he faced. His brothers severely persecuted him, but he remained patient. Also, when the wife of his master Potiphar falsely accused him. He did not rise to defend himself and claim his right. He waited on God and eventually, he inherited what God has promised. When it was in his capacity to revenge himself on his brothers he did not. He forgave them freely and completely.
And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.”
Genesis 41:38-41 NKJV
The template to “inherit the earth” has been given to us experientially. Our Lord Jesus lived out this life and to fall short is not an option for us. Meekness is obedience. Seek first the kingdom of God and follow Christ’s example of humility. There is great blessing to belong to the Lord.
