Chrism

Blessed are the Meek, For they shall inherit the earth. (Matt. 5:5)

Criteria = be meek

Reward = inherit the earth

Inherit the Earth (Reward)

God has many promises for us to do well here on this earth. “Honor your father and mother” which is the first commandment with a promise. “That it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth” (Eph. 6:2-3). Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time, and in the age to come, eternal life. (Mk. 10:29-30)

Saint John Chrysostom says about “the earth” – what kind of earth? Some say a figurative earth, but it is not this, for nowhere in the scripture do we find any mention of an earth that is merely figurative. But what can the saying mean? He holds out a sensible (tangible and material) prize, thus he does not incite us by means of the future blessings only, but of the present also.

To inherit, is to own the earth – which does not mean money, possessions, or popularity. To inherit the earth is to win at the game of life. To win at the game of life you must know the rules of the game. Winning is not about what you have done or accomplished but it is about how you have done it and who you are. What is God’s win for you? What would be the fruit of that?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Gal. 5:22-23)

You want to be a husband? Be a loving husband. You want to be a father? Be a kind father. You don’t just want a family, but peace in your family. You don’t just want a job, but joy in what you do. What God wants for you, and what you want for yourself, is the same!

Be Meek (Requirement)

Meekness is to surrender to God’s control. Meekness is not weakness. The scripture references two people as “meek,” Jesus, and Moses. Neither Moses, nor Jesus were even close to weakness.

Meekness is strength under control. It is being powerful, but restrained. “When He (Jesus) was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. (1 Peter 2:23). Jesus could fight back when he was mocked, but he did not. He has the strength to do whatever He chooses, but he surrendered. (strength under control). A sitting lion is meek, its strength under control.

Meek, Like a War Horse

Wild stallions were brought down from the mountains and were broken for riding. Some were used to pull wagons, some were raced, and the best were trained for warfare. They retained their fierce spirit, courage, and power, but were disciplined to respond to the slightest nudge or pressure of the rider’s leg. They could gallop into battle at 35 miles per hour and come to a sliding stop at a word. They were not frightened by arrows, spears, or torches. Then they were said to be meeked. To be meeked was to be taken from a state of wild rebellion and made completely loyal to, and dependent upon, one’s master. These stallions became submissive, but certainly not spineless. They embodied power under control, strength with forbearance. 

– Sam Whatley

Be meek in front of God and do not resist Him. Let God fight for you. Don’t resist where the master is guiding you, and don’t refuse to accept what comes from God. If you resist the ways of God, you will not obtain the fruits of the Kingdom.

The Path to winning and to inherit the earth, is to surrender to God and let Him guide the ship. You are the horse, and God is the Master who will tell you where to go.

“Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.” (Ps. 37:5-7)

“For evildoer shall be cut off; but those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth…The meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abidance of peace.’ (Ps. 37:9-11)

Be meek by committing to the Lord, trusting Him, resting, waiting patiently and not fretting. Then you will inherit the earth. Then you will obtain love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, fruitfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

– From a Sermon of Father Anthony Messeh