Meekness

From a friend "What did Jesus mean when he said 'the meek shall inherit the earth'?"

Some people think this has to do with a sort of effeminate weakness. But in the Greek New Testament, “meek” is from the Greek term praus. It does not suggest weakness; rather, it denotes strength under control. The ancients used the term to describe a wild horse tamed to the bridle.

So the promise is that the earth will belong to one who has channeled his strengths into the service of God. This is Spiritual discipline! Show me the person who has the discipline to refrain from acting out in anger, passion, lust, or intimidation and I will show you a person who will be respected by those who work with him or those who know him.

The question is is this a future blessing that is described or a present reality. Context seems to indicate that this is a present reality. God's blessing on those who have channeled their strengths into service of the King will find blessing on this earth. In a sense, the earth is theirs because they have this blessed spiritual discipline.

Is there a future blessing involved? Certainly, there is the millennial kingdom to consider. Those faithful in this life will be given future blessings, responsibility, leadership and authority. But we must not diminish the present reality either.