Blessed Are the Meek: Finding Strength and Spiritual Hunger in Matthew 5
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The True Meaning of Biblical Meekness (Matthew 5:5)
In our daily meditations, we closely examine Jesus’ opening words of the Beatitudes, found in what is commonly known as The Sermon on the Mount. What did the Lord mean when He said that God spiritually approves (blesses) those who are meek?
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).
The term "meek" describes a stallion whose power is tamed after it is broken of its independence. The animal does not lose its strength; instead, it becomes suitable for specific uses. Similarly, meekness relates to our will being surrendered to God's will, demonstrating self-control in the face of difficulties and trials. Our example is the Lord Jesus, who said, “when he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23).
Strength Under Control: The Imagery of the Yoke
Oxen, the traditional animals used to pull plows, were trained by being yoked to older, more experienced animals. Jesus likely referenced this imagery when He said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30; emphasis added). When we come to Christ and His Spirit enters our lives, we become “yoked” or “joined” to Him: “But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him” (1 Corinthians 6:17). Through this covenant relationship with Christ, God's Spirit can give us humility and meekness—traits that mean strength under control. Jesus was teaching that those who allow the Spirit to develop Christ-like character, including meekness, will inherit the earth (v. 5).
Spiritual Hunger: A Deep Thirst for God's Righteousness
The fourth Beatitude again addresses our attitude toward God. Genuinely born-again believers, filled with the Spirit of God, are always hungry and thirsty to be right with Him. Within the child of God, a hunger and thirst for God's righteousness arise. Before I met the Lord Jesus, the mention of His name or the things of God meant nothing to me; however, after encountering Christ, I sought out and consumed anything related to the truth of God and the Lord Jesus. Even the mention of Jesus' name in a nearby conversation made me listen closely. God creates a thirst within us that drives the child of God toward the things of God. The more you meditate on His Word, acknowledge Him, and become aware of His presence, the more you will grieve over the things that oppose His character. Isn’t that how it is when we love someone? When we hear insulting and belittling words about the one we love, it hurts us deeply. The Holy Spirit will give us an appetite for spiritual food and a longing to know God's presence and experience more of Him.
Sustenance in the Desert: Seeking God in Hard Times
Traveling through Israel's desert climate reveals that in Jesus' time, water was essential for survival. While hiding from King Saul, David had to move between water springs. Despite the hardships inflicted by Saul, he equated his thirst for water with his yearning for God, stating, “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1). This weariness also manifests when we witness the widespread evil around us. Satan’s tactic is to “wear out the saints of the Most High” (Daniel 7:25). God, who observes everything and understands what His people go through, regards those with a constant desire and need for Him as being in right standing with Him; He considers them spiritually approved or blessed. May you undergo God’s transformation in your character and, through it, embrace the power of a blessed life.
Practical Application: How to Live This Out
1. The "Stallion" Check (Meekness) Identify one area this week where you usually feel the need to "take the reins" or react defensively (perhaps a difficult coworker or a stressful chore). Instead of reacting with your own strength, consciously pray: "Lord, I surrender my right to be right. Use my strength for Your purposes today."
2. Evaluate Your "Yoke" (Rest) If you feel exhausted or "heavy laden," ask yourself whose yoke you are wearing. Are you trying to pull the weight of your life alone? Application: Spend 5 minutes in silence each morning, specifically "re-yoking" yourself to Jesus, asking Him to set the pace for your day.
3. Cultivate the Appetite (Hunger) Just as we avoid "spiritual junk food," we must choose what we consume. Action: Replace 15 minutes of social media or news scrolling with 15 minutes of Scripture meditation. Notice if your "thirst" for God increases as you decrease the noise of the world. Keith Thomas
Continue Your Journey…
The Beatitudes teaching video is available at the following link:
Consider bookmarking the following link: Browse our free 3-minute Bible Meditations:
Read our in-depth study at the following link: The Beatitudes: 8 Keys to a Blessed Life
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