The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth!
The violent take the earth by force. But “the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it” Psalm 24:1. As owner, He can will it to whomever He pleases. And He has already made out the title deed to Planet Earth to the meek.
There are two meanings to this. The first is a natural meaning. Jesus is talking to Jews living under Roman occupation. He is saying, “You will inherit the land of Israel as promised to Abraham.” God’s covenant with Abraham was an unconditional and everlasting covenant, established solely on the faithfulness of God.
Sand and Stars
Abraham is identified in Scripture as “the father of all who believe” Romans 4:11. Scripture describes his descendants as the “sand on the seashore” and the stars in the sky” Genesis 22:17. The sand represents Israel and the stars represent the church.
Stars are first mentioned in the very first chapter of Genesis, where they are described as having three functions. They give light, they rule the night and they divide light from darkness. So it is with the church. The church gives light: “You are the light of the world,” Jesus said Matthew 5:14. The church rules: We are given dominion over all things in the name of Jesus. And the church is the dividing element between light and darkness; we are either for Christ or against Him, either saved or lost.
Sand is earthly; stars are heavenly. There is an earthly Jerusalem, ruled by the Jewish people, and a New Jerusalem in the heavens, ruled by the church. Both have their place and function, and neither replaces the other in the economy of God.
So in one sense Jesus was looking through the telescope of prophecy, telling his audience. “The day is coming when I will restore the land of Israel to the Jewish people.”
Jesus’ Return
But there is also a spiritual meaning of “they shall inherit the earth.” For Jesus Christ is coming to earth again. He will literally rule this earth for a thousand years. When He returns, the meek will inherit the earth.
The first time He came, He was a babe in Bethlehem’s manger. The next time He comes, He will be King of kings and Lord of lords.
The first time He came, He rode into Jerusalem on the foal of an ass. The next time He comes, He will split the heavens riding a white horse, as a mighty conqueror.
The first time He came, He was dragged before Pilate. The next time He comes, Pilate will bow down before Him and confess that He is Lord.
The first time He came, He was crucified on the cross. The next time He comes, He will sit on the throne of His father David and rule the earth with a rod of iron.
Only the meek can inherit the earth. Our society has planted the seeds of violence and has reaped the whirlwind. It’s time to plant seeds of meekness and reap a harvest of happiness.
Source: Being Happy in an Unhappy World
Prophecy
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