“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (ESV)

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (NIV)

Defining meekness is not an easy feat, and to truly understand it, we really need to see it firsthand. That moment when someone uses their strength to lift others up gently. Being both humble and confident.

Last year, I had this opportunity: to see meekness in full display.
I had major surgery to remove cancer from my body. It was a pivotal time in my life. I was constantly flooded with conflicting opinions and information. It was in this uncertainty that I sought the Lord with desperate pleas for strength and discernment. It was overwhelming for my family too, because we were navigating so many options for doctors and clinics, and it was happening fast.

Then I met my doctor. By all the standards of the world, a man with his status and wisdom could have been arrogant and dismissive. Yet even after his thousands of surgeries, he met me with gentle confidence and resilient humility. He listened well and was endlessly patient with my countless questions. He was simultaneously gentle and strong. 

Amazingly, rather than holding on to power for himself, he used it to empower me.

Jesus Himself perfectly lived out what it means to be meek. He was gentle and lowly. (Matthew 11:29)  He showed us what it looks like to find our strength in God the Father, not ourselves. He was never weak or uncertain, but with humility and confidence, He called out the religious leaders, calmed the stormy sea, and welcomed children into His arms. He was—and is—divine strength, wisdom, and authority.

When Jesus says, “The meek shall inherit the earth,” He was assuring us that chasing worldly power would not lead to a godly inheritance. At that time, inheriting land was a sign of power and good standing; it often still is. But there, on a humble stretch of earth, Jesus was essentially saying that humanity’s idea of power is fleeting. Those who don't fight for power, but instead place their strength in Him, will be the ones who find it in the end.

When I look back to that scary time just before surgery, it wasn’t my own strength or understanding that quieted my fears. It wasn’t even a rock-solid plan that held me up. My surgeon showed meekness, but ultimately it was Jesus, my Great Physician and Rock, who blessed me with His tender care. It was God’s peace that surrounded me as I waited, and it was His presence that gave me strength. My confidence is forever in Him.

Rather than keeping power to Himself, Jesus chose to empower us. His inheritance is a gift given to the meek, not fought for, and not deserved.

Written by LeeAnn Randall