Saturday, May 31, 2014

The Beatitudes - Lesson 6: The Merciful

The Beatitudes
Lesson 6: The Merciful


Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.


Hosea 6:6 For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.


MERCY
1. compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion, pity, or benevolence: Have mercy on the poor sinner.
4. an act of kindness, compassion, or favor: She has performed countless small mercies for her friends and neighbors.

"mercy." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 31 May. 2014. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mercy>.

MERCY
1. That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant. In this sense, there is perhaps no word in our language precisely synonymous with mercy. That which comes nearest to it is grace. It implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, but exercised only towards offenders. Mercy is a distinguishing attribute of the Supreme Being.
The Lord is long-suffering and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty. Num.14.
3. Pity; compassion manifested towards a person in distress.
And he said, he that showed mercy on him. Luke.10.

"mercy." Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2014. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/mercy (31 May 2014).


The main points for this lesson:

Remember, beatitude means happy or blessed. Jesus is telling us the way to true happiness and blessedness. The beatitudes teach us who will be happy and why that person will be happy.

The merciful are those who show mercy to others. To show mercy is to show love, kindness and compassion to others who either deserve punishment and/or are in the midst of distress and suffering. (I wrote the “and/or” because the lines between these are often blurred, or even nonexistent. Our enemies or the guilty may often be in distress and suffering. And those his distress and suffering may be, or appear to be, guilty or deserving of their distress and suffering.)

Jesus told a parable of a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants (Matthew 18:21-35). One servant had incurred a debt far beyond his ability to repay. He was sentenced to be sold, along with his family and possessions, in order to recover at least some of his debt. This servant was guilty. He asked the king, his master, for patience. The king was merciful. He showed kindness and compassion to his servant who deserved punishment. This is an illustration of mercy as showing love, kindness and compassion to the guilty, to those who deserve punishment.

In the story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37), the man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho was beaten by robbers and left for dead. He was in distress. He was suffering and in need of help. After two men passed him by, a Samaritan stopped and helped this man (to say he helped the man is perhaps an understatement considering all he did for the man). The Samaritan was described as the one who showed “mercy” toward the man in need. This is an illustration of mercy as showing love, kindness and compassion to those in distress and need.

God is merciful (Luke 6:36). He shows mercy to us who are guilty sinners and his enemies. He commands his people to forgive their debtors and to do good to their enemies. In his mercy, God provides for the good and the wicked. He helps those who are lost, and he shows mercy to his people who are suffering pilgrims and strangers in this world. He commands his people to imitate his and so care for the poor and needy, the good and the wicked, and to visit the widow and orphan in their distress.

Mercy must include both outward actions and words, and a heart of mercy or compassion (Colossians 3:12).

In the story of the good Samaritan, it is possible that the priest and the Levite felt sorry for the man lying half-dead on the side of the road. However, by their actions of passing on by, they closed up their heart of compassion against the man in need (1 John 3:17).

At another time, Jesus spoke of those who give alms, who give help the poor and needy. Some give alms to be noticed by men. These have an outward action, but lack the heart of compassion. They have no reward from God. Others give alms because they humbly acknowledge that they themselves have received mercy from God and hope that yet God may show mercy to them in their low condition. Such will receive their reward from God, such will receive mercy, for they have shown mercy.

Jesus said that the merciful person will be blessed, he will find true happiness. The reason for this is that the merciful will receive mercy, both in this life and the next. Everyone has sinned and disobeyed God. We have sinned against God and against other people, whether parents, brothers and sisters, friends, enemies, etc. We deserve punishment, but desire mercy. Jesus said that the merciful, those who show mercy to others now, will receive mercy from God, the final and ultimate judge of all men.


Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Read Matthew 5:7 with the children.

Give the children a simple explanation of what it means to be merciful, what it means to show mercy. A simple definition: To show mercy means to show kindness to someone who was unkind to you, or did something wrong to you; AND it also means to help someone who needs help.

While all the stories in this lesson can be used to illustrate this beatitude, I suggest using the first three (Matthew 18:21-35; Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 10:29-37). The first story (Matthew 18:21-35) looks at showing mercy to a debtor, to someone who is guilty and deserves punishment. The second and third stories (Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 10:29-37) illustrate mercy in the sense of helping those who need help.

As you read the stories, you can ask the children which person in the story is merciful and which is not, and how the people in the story did or didn't show mercy. Ask them who they think is happy in the story and who isn't, and why.

As you read the stories and afterwards, encourage the children to think about being merciful. To whom can they show mercy? (ie. Brothers and sisters); What are ways they can show mercy to others? (Not being unkind to someone who is unkind to them; helping brother or sister when they are hurt, and not just because I don't want to get in trouble.)

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.


Stories:

Matthew 18:21-35 [21] Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?” [22] Jesus said to him, “I don’t tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven. [23] Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile accounts with his servants. [24] When he had begun to reconcile, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. [25] But because he couldn’t pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. [26] The servant therefore fell down and kneeled before him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’ [27] The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. [28] “But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him, and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ [29] “So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you!’ [30] He would not, but went and cast him into prison, until he should pay back that which was due. [31] So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told to their lord all that was done. [32] Then his lord called him in, and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt, because you begged me. [33] Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?’ [34] His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors, until he should pay all that was due to him. [35] So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don’t each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds.”
This story is a powerful illustration for both forgiveness and mercy. The king showed mercy to a servant who both had not paid his debt to the king and could not pay it. Rather than being sold into slavery, the servant was forgiven the entire debt. However, the servant was not merciful to his fellow servant who owed him money. The king found out and dealt with the unmerciful servant, and it was far worse for him then than before. Before, he faced slavery, now, he faced the tormentors for the rest of his life.
At the risk of making too much of a parable, I would like to offer some further thoughts for understanding this one and how it relates to you and me. Just as the king was merciful, so God has first shown mercy to us: He sent his only son to die for our sins; He made known his desire for our salvation; He has sent his Holy Spirit into the hearts of his servants that they may be empowered to live for and please him in all things. As those who have received mercy in this life, we are faced also in this life with those who owe us, or who have wronged us. If we choose to show such mercy, well. However, if we refuse to show others mercy, then woe to us. As the king showed mercy first, and also would show mercy (or not show mercy) last, so with our Lord and God. We must all stand before him on that last day and be judged. If we have not shown mercy to others in this life, then on that day we will not receive the last and most necessary mercy from the great judge of all the earth. Just as the king in the parable delivered the unmerciful servant to the tormentors, so will God do with us if we are found to be like the unmerciful servant.

Matthew 25:31-46 [31] “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. [32] Before him all the nations will be gathered, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. [33] He will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. [34] Then the King will tell those on his right hand, ‘Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; [35] for I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me in. [36] I was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in prison, and you came to me.’ [37] “Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you a drink? [38] When did we see you as a stranger, and take you in; or naked, and clothe you? [39] When did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?’ [40] “The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ [41] Then he will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels; [42] for I was hungry, and you didn’t give me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink; [43] I was a stranger, and you didn’t take me in; naked, and you didn’t clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ [44] “Then they will also answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and didn’t help you?’ [45] “Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you didn’t do it to one of the least of these, you didn’t do it to me.’ [46] These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
In this account from Jesus, the sheep are those who showed mercy to those in need. The goats did not show mercy to those in need. Those numbered among the sheep found the words of Jesus true: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. The unmerciful found neither blessedness or happiness, but only an eternal fire for punishment.

Luke 10:29-37 [29] But he, desiring to justify himself, asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” [30] Jesus answered, “A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. [31] By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. [32] In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. [33] But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, [34] came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. [35] On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the host, and said to him, ‘Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.’ [36] Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?” [37] He said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
We call the Samaritan in this story the “Good Samaritan” because he showed mercy to the man who needed help. Whatever the other two men may have known or thought about showing mercy, the only thing Jesus tells us about them is that they did not show mercy to the man who needed help.


More Stories and Examples:

1 Samuel 24:1-22 Saul was pursuing David to kill him. He entered a cave alone where David and his men were hiding, not knowing that they were inside the cave. David had the opportunity to kill Saul, but showed mercy to him and did not.
David trusted in God and looked to God to reward and punish at the proper time.

1 Samuel 26:1-25 – This story is similar to the one in 1 Samuel 24. Saul was again pursuing David to kill him. David and Abishai entered Saul's camp when Saul and all his men were sleeping. Again David had the opportunity to kill Saul, his enemy, but showed mercy to him and did not.
We should be careful to not mix pride with our mercy. David showed mercy to Saul. Some years later, when David was king, the righteous God showed mercy to David when David had committed terrible sin and deserved nothing but immediate death. David confessed and repented of his sin, and God spared David's life. Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy.

2 Samuel 16:5-13; 19:15-23 – When David was in distress fleeing from Absalom his son, Shimei curses and threw stones at David. After the defeat and death of Absalom, David returned to Jerusalem. On the way, Shimei came to David and begged for mercy to be shown him. David did show mercy to Shimei. He did not put him to death.

1 Kings 1:5-53 – Adonijah exalted himself to make himself the next king after David his father. When informed of this, David established Salomon and the reigning king. Salomon shows mercy to Adonijah, who was trying to make himself king and had he succeeded would have likely put Salomon and his mother to death.

2 Kings 6:18-23 [18] When they came down to him, Elisha prayed to Yahweh, and said, “Please strike this people with blindness.” He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. [19] Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, neither is this the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.” He led them to Samaria. [20] When they had come into Samaria, Elisha said, “Yahweh, open the eyes of these men, that they may see.” Yahweh opened their eyes, and they saw; and behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. [21] The king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, “My father, shall I strike them? Shall I strike them?” [22] He answered, “You shall not strike them. Would you strike those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.” [23] He prepared great feast for them. When they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. The bands of Syria stopped raiding the land of Israel.
Both the king of Israel and Elisha had their enemies within their power. Elisha taught the king of Israel to overcome evil with good. He commanded the king to feed his enemies. It appears that mercy triumphed in this case, for the end of the story tells us that the bands of Syria stopped raiding the land of Israel.


Other Verses:

Exodus 34:5-7 [5] Yahweh descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed Yahweh’s name. [6] Yahweh passed by before him, and proclaimed, “Yahweh! Yahweh, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth, [7] keeping loving kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and disobedience and sin; and that will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the children’s children, on the third and on the fourth generation.”

2 Samuel 22:26-27 [26] With the merciful you will show yourself merciful. With the perfect man you will show yourself perfect. [27] With the pure you will show yourself pure. With the crooked you will show yourself shrewd.
(see also Psalm 18:25-26)

Psalm 41:1-3 [1] Blessed is he who considers the poor. Yahweh will deliver him in the day of evil. [2] Yahweh will preserve him, and keep him alive. He shall be blessed on the earth, and he will not surrender him to the will of his enemies. [3] Yahweh will sustain him on his sickbed, and restore him from his bed of illness.
While not using the word merciful, these verses illustrate both what it means to be merciful, and God's delight in and blessing upon the merciful.

Proverbs 11:17 The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.

Proverbs 12:10 A righteous man respects the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

Proverbs 24:17-18 [17] Don’t rejoice when your enemy falls. Don’t let your heart be glad when he is overthrown; [18] lest Yahweh see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
The merciful person does not rejoice at the distress and suffering of others, even his enemy's.

Proverbs 25:21-22 [21] If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink: [22] for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and Yahweh will reward you.

Daniel 4:27 Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you, and break off your sins by righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if there may be a lengthening of your tranquility.

Exekiel 33:11 Tell them, As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn, turn from your evil ways; for why will you die, house of Israel?

Hosea 6:6 For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
When God proclaimed his name to Moses, “Merciful” was at the top of the list. In this verse (Hosea 6:6), the knowledge of God is not a different item from mercy. The one who knows God knows how very merciful he is, and so would know the great importance and value God puts on his people showing mercy to others.

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Matthew 5:43-48 [43] “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. [46] For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? [47] If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? [48] Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Matthew 10:42 Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you he will in no way lose his reward.”

Matthew 23:23-24 [23] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone. [24] You blind guides, who strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel!
Mercy is a weightier matter of the law. Showing mercy, having a heart of mercy and compassion toward others, including our enemies, is of first importance to the judge of all the earth. It is not a secondary matter, not optional, and not even just a good idea. It is a weightier matter of the law. It is hard to overstate the necessity of being a merciful person.

Luke 6:31-38 [31] “As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. [32] If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. [33] If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. [34] If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. [35] But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. [36] “Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful. [37] Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. Set free, and you will be set free. [38] “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you.”

Romans 12:17-21 [17] Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. [18] If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. [19] Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” [20] Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.” [21] Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Colossians 3:12-13 [12] Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; [13] bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.

2 Timothy 1:15-18 [15] This you know, that all who are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. [16] May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain, [17] but when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently, and found me [18] (the Lord grant to him to find the Lord’s mercy in that day); and in how many things he served at Ephesus, you know very well.

James 2:13 For judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

James 2:14-18 [14] What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him? [15] And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, [16] and one of you tells them, “Go in peace. Be warmed and filled;” yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it? [17] Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. [18] Yes, a man will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

James 3:13-17 [13] Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom. [14] But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth. [15] This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. [16] For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. [17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

1 John 3:16-18 [16] By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. [17] But whoever has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, then closes his heart of compassion against him, how does God’s love remain in him? [18] My little children, let’s not love in word only, or with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.
Mercy involves both the heart and deeds. Both are important. The apostle John wrote that if we do not show mercy in deeds, we have in fact also closed up our heart of compassion.


COMMENTARY

Verse 7. Blessed are the merciful. That is, those who are so affected by the sufferings of others, as to be disposed to alleviate them. This is given as an evidence of piety; and it is said that they who show mercy to others shall obtain it. The same sentiment is found in Mt 10:42. Whosoever shall give a cup of cold water only unto one of these little ones, in the name of a disciple, shall not lose his reward. See also Mt 25:34-40. It should be done to glorify God; that is, in obedience to his commandments, and with a desire that he should be honoured; and feeling that we are benefiting one of his creatures. Then he will regard it as done to him, and will reward us. See the sentiment of this verse, that the merciful shall obtain mercy, more fully expressed in 2Sam 22:26,27; and in Ps 18:25,26.

Nowhere do we imitate God more than in showing mercy. In nothing does God more delight than in the exercise of mercy, Ex 34:6, Eze 33:11 1Tim 2:4, 2Pet 3:9. To us, guilty sinners; to us, wretched, dying, and exposed to eternal woe, he has shown his mercy by giving his Son to die for us; by expressing his willingness to pardon and save us; and by sending his Spirit to renew and sanctify the heart. Each day of our life, each hour, and each moment, we partake of his undeserved mercy. All the blessings we enjoy are proofs of his mercy. If we also show mercy to the poor, the wretched, the guilty, it shows that we are like God; we have his spirit, and shall not lose our reward. And we have abundant opportunity to do it. Our world is full of guilt and woe, which we may help to relieve; and every day of our lives we have opportunity by helping the poor and wretched, and by forgiving those who injure us, to show that we are like God. Mt 6:14.

(c) "for they shall obtain mercy" Ps 41:1,2.

Verse 7. The merciful] The word mercy, among the Jews, signified two things: the pardon of injuries, and almsgiving. Our Lord undoubtedly takes it in its fullest latitude here. To know the nature of mercy, we have only to consult the grammatical meaning of the Latin word misericordia, from which ours is derived. It is composed of two words: miserans, pitying, and cor, the heart; or miseria cordis, pain of heart. Mercy supposes two things: 1. A distressed object: and, 2. A disposition of the heart, through which it is affected at the sight of such an object. This virtue, therefore, is no other than a lively emotion of the heart, which is excited by the discovery of any creature's misery; and such an emotion as manifests itself outwardly, by effects suited to its nature. The merciful man is here termed by our Lord ελεημων, from ελεος, which is generally derived from the Hebrew chil, to be in pain, as a woman in travail: or from galal, to cry, or lament grievously; because a merciful man enters into the miseries of his neighbour, feels for and mourns with him.

They shall obtain mercy.] Mercy is not purchased but at the price of mercy itself; and even this price is a gift of the mercy of God. What mercy can those vindictive persons expect, who forgive nothing, and are always ready to improve every advantage they have of avenging themselves? Whatever mercy a man shows to another, God will take care to show the same to him. The following elegant and nervous saying of one of our best poets is worthy of the reader's most serious attention:-

"The quality of mercy is not strained;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed;
It blesseth him who gives, and him who takes:
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown.
It is an attribute of God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's,
When mercy seasons justice.--------
Though justice be thy plea, consider this,
That, in the course of justice, none of us
Should see salvation. We do pray for mercy;
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy.--------
Why, all the souls that are, were forfeit once:
And he who might the 'vantage best have took
Found out the remedy. How would you be,
If He who is the top of judgment should
But judge you as you are? O! think on that;
And mercy then will breathe within your lips,
Like man, new made.
How shalt thou hope for mercy, rend'ring none?"

In the tract Shabbath, fol. 151, there is a saying very like this of our Lord. "He who shows mercy to men, God will show mercy to him: but to him who shows no mercy to man, God will show no mercy.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

The Beatitudes - Lesson 5: Those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

The Beatitudes
Lesson 5: Those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness


Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled [or satisfied].


Psalm 45:7 You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
The Psalmist wrote that the one who loved righteousness was anointed with the oil of gladness. Many years later, Jesus said that the one who hungers and thirsts for righteousness will be happy and blessed, because they will be satisfied (or filled).


RIGHTEOUSNESS.
1. Purity of heart and rectitude of life; conformity of heart and life to the divine law. Righteousness, as used in Scripture and theology, in which it is chiefly used, is nearly equivalent to holiness, comprehending holy principles and affections of heart, and conformity of life to the divine law. It includes all we call justice, honesty and virtue, with holy affections; in short, it is true religion.

"righteousness." Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2014. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/righteousness (27 May 2014).


The main points for this lesson:

Remember, beatitude means happy or blessed. Jesus is telling us the way to true happiness and blessedness. The beatitudes teach us who will be happy and why that person will be happy.

What does it mean to “hunger and thirst for righteousness”? To hunger and thirst is to long for something earnestly, to really want something. Righteousness is true obedience to God in our heart and living. Righteousness and love must go hand in hand, for the sum of all God's commands is to love the Lord with all the heart, all the mind, all the soul, and all the strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. Therefore, to hunger and thirst for righteousness is to earnestly long for complete obedience and conformity to God and his son Jesus Christ, in heart, mind, soul and strength.

This hunger and thirst has (at least) two important aspects: First, I must hunger and thirst for righteousness in myself; Second (the order is important), then in others around me.

How can I hunger and thirst for righteousness in myself? 1) Examine myself honestly (1 Corinthians 11:28,31) in the mirror God's word and my conscience. 2) Pray for a hunger and thirst for righteousness, and pray for righteousness (Psalm 24:3-6). 3) Read the Bible as God's word and obey what you understand therein (1 Peter 2:2; Psalm 119:9). 4) Be willing to receive instruction from others, beginning first with your parents (Proverbs 2:1-9). 5) Flee from unrighteous, from sinful things, and pursue good things (2 Timothy 2:22).

How can I hunger and thirst for righteousness in others? 1) First remove the beam in my own eye (Matthew 7:1-5), deal with my own faults first. 2) Learn what God means by “I desire mercy and not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13; 12:7). God desires us to help others to do what is right with a help that is full of mercy and self-sacrifice. He does not want us to simply figure out how wrong and bad a person is. 3) Encourage and help others to do what is right (Hebrews 10:24). This begins at home as we help one another to obey our parents and to love one another. It is important to help others, but it is just as important to listen to others who want to help me when I do not want to do what it right.

Whether or not we can be 100% righteous in this life is not the issue here. Jesus tells us in this beatitude that we should not be discouraged from earnestly pursuing righteousness in this life. Rather, we should expect that if we truly desire to put away specific sin and desire put on practical righteousness, we will be satisfied. (As it is God at work in us both to will and to work, see Philippians 2:12-13, we may hope to be as holy and righteous as we are willing to be, as we are willing to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. If we are honest with ourselves, we will find that our lack of holiness or righteousness is equal most often to our lack of willingness or desire for holiness or righteousness.) He tells us that if we hunger and thirst for righteousness in this life, we will be truly happy and blessed because we will be truly satisfied and filled. This blessedness of being filled, or being satisfied, will come (at least in part) while traveling along the narrow path, and will come in all its fullness when we reach the end and hear well done, good and faithful servant.


Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Read Matthew 5:6 with the children.

Give the children a simple explanation of what it means to hunger and thirst for righteousness. It means to really want to obey and love God in our heart and in our actions.

The first four stories below (Luke 19:1-10; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:9-14; 2 Kings 5:9-15) are perhaps the best to use with the children, though the other stories could work as well. The first three stories consider this desire for righteousness in myself. The fourth story, about Naaman, considers this beatitude in light of encouraging and helping others to do what is right.

As you read the stories (you can read or tell the story in your own words), you can ask the children who has a hunger and thirst for righteousness (and who doesn't), and why they think so.

Also as you read the stories to the children, you can ask them who in the story found true happiness and blessing, and why they think so.

This time can be used to encourage the children to do and love to do what is good and right.

It can also be used to encourage them to help and encourage others to do what is good and right. The story of Naaman and his servants is a good illustration of this.

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.


Stories:

Luke 19:1-10 [1] He entered and was passing through Jericho. [2] There was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. [3] He was trying to see who Jesus was, and couldn’t because of the crowd, because he was short. [4] He ran on ahead, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. [5] When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” [6] He hurried, came down, and received him joyfully. [7] When they saw it, they all murmured, saying, “He has gone in to lodge with a man who is a sinner.” [8] Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much.” [9] Jesus said to him, “Today, salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. [10] For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.”
It could be said that Zacchaeus had a hunger and thirst for righteousness. He was willing to go out of his way to see this Jesus. Jesus must have seen his hunger, for he went to his house. Zacchaeus' hunger and thirst did not end with climbing a tree and seeing Jesus, or even with having Jesus come to his home. His hunger and thirst for righteousness caused him to give half his money to the poor, and to repay anyone from whom he had wrongfully taken tax money. Then it seems that Zacchaeus was satisfied, for Jesus said to him, “Today, salvation has come to this house...”

Mark 10:17-31 [17] As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” [18] Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except one—God. [19] You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not give false testimony,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and mother.’” [20] He said to him, “Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth.” [21] Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross.” [22] But his face fell at that saying, and he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions. [23] Jesus looked around, and said to his disciples, “How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God!” [24] The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answered again, “Children, how hard is it for those who trust in riches to enter into the Kingdom of God! [25] It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.” [26] They were exceedingly astonished, saying to him, “Then who can be saved?” [27] Jesus, looking at them, said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God.” [28] Peter began to tell him, “Behold, we have left all, and have followed you.” [29] Jesus said, “Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for my sake, and for the sake of the Good News, [30] but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land, with persecutions; and in the age to come eternal life. [31] But many who are first will be last; and the last first.”
For the purpose of this lesson, you could shorten this story to verse 17 for time's sake, though the whole story can be used to illustrate the lesson. The man who ran to Jesus seemed to have a hunger and thirst for righteousness. He had pursued righteousness (Mark 10:20), and yet still seemed to humbly recognize some lack of righteousness within himself (Mark 10:17; Matthew 10:20). However, when Jesus plainly showed him the next step, this man lost his appetite, he lost his hunger and thirst for righteousness, and so went away sad. Had he listened and obeyed, he would have found true happiness and blessedness (even eternal life). It is important to note that it was his riches which caused the lose of his hunger and thirst for righteousness.
On the other hand, Peter and the other apostles had such a hunger and thirst for righteousness that they were willing to leave all behind to follow Jesus. While they found persecutions along the way, they also found true happiness and blessedness, and ultimately eternal life.

Luke 18:9-14 [9] He spoke also this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others. [10] “Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: ‘God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortionists, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.’ [13] But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
In this parable, the Pharisee did not have a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Why? He already considered himself righteous. Yet, instead of being filled with righteousness, he was filled with sinful pride. The tax collector cried out for mercy. He saw his lack and knew his need. It could be said that he had a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Jesus tells us that this man went home satisfied. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

2 Kings 5:9-15 [9] So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariots, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. [10] Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall come again to you, and you shall be clean.” [11] But Naaman was angry, and went away, and said, “Behold, I thought, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of Yahweh his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leper.’ [12] Aren’t Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them, and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. [13] His servants came near, and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had asked you do some great thing, wouldn’t you have done it? How much rather then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean?’” [14] Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. [15] He returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him; and he said, “See now, I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel. Now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.”
The prophet Elisha gave Naaman a clear command. Naaman became angry and decided he would not obey. His servants encouraged him to obey. Naaman listened to his servants and was not only healed of his leprosy, but came to know the true and living God. The servants of Naaman provide a good example of how to encourage and help others to do what is right. Were not such servants satisfied who not only led their master to physical healing, but also helped him to find and know the one true God? May we learn from their example.


More Stories and Examples:

Acts 2:36-47 [36] “Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” [37] Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” [38] Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.” [40] With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” [41] Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls. [42] They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer. [43] Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. [44] All who believed were together, and had all things in common. [45] They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. [46] Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, [47] praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.
Peter spoke this message to the people of the day of Pentecost is Jerusalem. When they heard this, they realized their true condition. They had sinned against God. They longed for true righteousness. Their seeking first God's righteousness began with repentance and baptism. However, this was not the end of their seeking. They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching, in fellowship, breaking of bread, and in prayer. They also sold their possessions and shared with those in need. They continued to gather in love with one heart and mind in the temple. In these ways and more they demonstrated their hunger and thirst for righteousness. God was pleased with his people. Can we doubt that they were filled and satisfied? Among them there was gladness and singleness of heart. God granted them favor with all the people, and added daily to the church (to God's holy people) those who were being saved.

2 Kings 22:1-23:27
Story of Josiah. When the word of God was discovered and read to him, he realized his condition and the condition of God's people. They were far from righteous. Josiah shows us a king who had a hunger and thirst for righteousness. He spent much time and energy removing the old sinful things so that God alone would be worshiped and served.

2 Chronicles 17:1-11
Jehoshaphat sought after God. Not only did he seek after God himself, but he sent out men to teach God's people from the word of the Lord.

2 Kings 5:20-27
Gehazi had a hunger and thirst for earthly riches. Was he satisfied in the end?


Other Verses:

PURSUING RIGHTEOUSNESS IN MYSELF

Psalm 19:13-14 [13] Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I will be upright. I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression. [14] Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.
This is a good prayer for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Psalm 24:3-6 [3] Who may ascend to Yahweh’s hill? Who may stand in his holy place? [4] He who has clean hands and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood, and has not sworn deceitfully. [5] He shall receive a blessing from Yahweh, righteousness from the God of his salvation. [6] This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek your face—even Jacob. Selah.
The one who pursues or who walks in righteousness will receive righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.

Proverbs 2:1-9 [1] My son, if you will receive my words, and store up my commandments within you; [2] So as to turn your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; [3] Yes, if you call out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding; [4] If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures: [5] then you will understand the fear of Yahweh, and find the knowledge of God. [6] For Yahweh gives wisdom. Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. [7] He lays up sound wisdom for the upright. He is a shield to those who walk in integrity; [8] that he may guard the paths of justice, and preserve the way of his saints. [9] Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path.

Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, “I have made my heart pure. I am clean and without sin?”
Some take this and similar verses to mean that we cannot attain to complete righteousness. Whether it means this or not in light of the whole of scripture, this proverb is not given as a discouragement to earnestly pursuing righteousness.

Proverbs 29:1 He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.

Matthew 6:31-33 [31] “Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’ [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. [33] But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
Seeking first God's kingdom is not a single event in one moment in time, nor is seeking his righteousness. Rather, these should be guiding principles or goals throughout our life as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:7-15 [7] However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. [8] Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; [10] that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death; [11] if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. [12] Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus. [13] Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, [14] I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you.

1 Timothy 6:9-12 [9] But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. [10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. [11] But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. [12] Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.
Some hunger and thirst after earthly treasure. The apostle Paul warned against a hunger and thirst for the riches of this life. The people of God are to flee such things and instead follow after righteousness.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 [14] But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. [15] From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. [16] Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

1 Peter 2:1-4 [1] Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking, [2] as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that with it you may grow, [3] if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious: [4] coming to him, a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, precious.

1 John 3:1-3 [1] See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him. [2] Beloved, now we are children of God, and it is not yet revealed what we will be. But we know that, when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is. [3] Everyone who has this hope set on him purifies himself, even as he is pure.


PURSUING RIGHTEOUSNESS IN OTHERS

Matthew 7:1-5 [1] “Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. [2] For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you. [3] Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye? [4] Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye;’ and behold, the beam is in your own eye? [5] You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.
When I desire righteousness in others, without first desiring and pursuing righteousness in myself, I am walking the path of hypocrisy. On such a path, love for others dies, and pride with its blindness grows.

Matthew 12:7 But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.
God desires us to show a mercy toward others that will help lead them to repentance and that will help them to obey God from a whole heart. Too often we are tempted to not show such mercy but rather to offer to God our finger pointed at a guilty sinner (or at least what we call a guilty sinner). There is a definite need for conviction of sin. At the same time, mercy and love must guide our own heart in all such situations to help the convicted sinner.

2 Timothy 2:19-22 [19] However God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.” [20] Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor, and some for dishonor. [21] If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, prepared for every good work. [22] Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Hebrews 10:24-25 [24] Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, [25] not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.


GOD HEARS AND BLESSES THE RIGHTEOUS

Psalm 34:11-22 [11] Come, you children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of Yahweh. [12] Who is someone who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? [13] Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking lies. [14] Depart from evil, and do good. seek peace, and pursue it. [15] Yahweh’s eyes are toward the righteous. His ears listen to their cry. [16] Yahweh’s face is against those who do evil, to cut off their memory from the earth. [17] The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. [18] Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. [19] Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but Yahweh delivers him out of them all. [20] He protects all of his bones. Not one of them is broken. [21] Evil shall kill the wicked. Those who hate the righteous shall be condemned. [22] Yahweh redeems the soul of his servants. None of those who take refuge in him shall be condemned.

Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Proverbs 15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but he loves him who follows after righteousness.

Proverbs 15:29 Yahweh is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

Proverbs 21:3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice.


REWARD AND BLESSING FOR PURSUING RIGHTEOUSNESS

Psalm 11:7 For Yahweh is righteous. He loves righteousness. The upright shall see his face.

Proverbs 21:21 He who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor.

Isaiah 55:1-3 [1] “Come, everyone who thirsts, to the waters! Come, he who has no money, buy, and eat! Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. [2] Why do you spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which doesn’t satisfy? listen diligently to me, and eat you that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. [3] Turn your ear, and come to me; hear, and your soul shall live: and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

Hosea 10:12-13 [12] Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap according to kindness. Break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek Yahweh, until he comes and rains righteousness on you. [13] You have plowed wickedness. You have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies, for you trusted in your way, in the multitude of your mighty men.

Romans 2:5-11 [5] But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath, revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God; [6] who “will pay back to everyone according to their works:” [7] to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life; [8] but to those who are self-seeking, and don’t obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, will be wrath and indignation, [9] oppression and anguish, on every soul of man who works evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. [10] But glory, honor, and peace go to every man who works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. [11] For there is no partiality with God.

Galatians 6:7-10 [7] Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. [8] For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. [9] Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. [10] So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.

Hebrews 12:14 Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord,
While stated in the negative, the positive statement is that the upright or sanctified will see the Lord.


COMMENTARY

Righteousness must here not be understood as being the Christian righteousness in general, whereby the person becomes pious and acceptable before God. For I have before said that these eight beatitudes are nothing else than a teaching about the fruits and good works of a Christian, which must be preceded by faith, as the tree and main body or sum of his righteousness and blessedness, without any work or merit, out of which these beatitudes must all grow and follow. Therefore understand here the outward righteousness before the world, which we observe among ourselves towards others, that this is the meaning, short and simple, of these words: he is a really blessed man who perseveringly and assiduously strives to promote the general welfare and the right conduct of every one, and who helps to maintain and carry this out with word and deed, with counsel and act.

Those that are perishing for want of righteousness; that feel that they are lost sinners, and strongly desire to be holy, shall be filled. Never was there a desire to be holy, which God was not willing to gratify. And the gospel of Christ has made provision to satisfy all who truly desire to be holy. See Isaiah 55:1-3; Isaiah 65:13; John 4:14; John 6:35; John 7:37-38; Psalm 17:15.

Monday, May 19, 2014

The Beatitudes - Lesson 4: The Meek

The Beatitudes
Lesson 4: The Meek


Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the gentle [meek], for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5 [KJV] Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.


Psalm 37:11 But the humble [meek] shall inherit the land, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Psalm 37:11 [KJV] But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.


MEEK
Meek 1. Mild of temper; not easily provoked or irritated; patient under injuries; not vain, or haughty, or resentful; forbearing; submissive. Now the man Moses was very meek. Num. xii. 3.

2. Evincing mildness of temper, or patience; characterized by mildness or patience; as, a meek answer; a meek face. "Her meek prayer." Chaucer.

Syn. -- Gentle; mild; soft; yielding; pacific; unassuming; humble. See Gentle.

meek.” Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language 1913.

MEEK
MEEK, a. [L. mucus; Eng. mucilage; Heb. to melt.]
1. Mild of temper; soft; gentle; not easily provoked or irritated; yielding; given to forbearance under injuries.
Now the man Moses was very meek, above all men. Num.12.

2. Appropriately,humble, in an evangelical sense; submissive to the divine will; not proud, self-sufficient or refractory; not peevish and apt to complain of divine dispensations. Christ says, "Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest to your souls." Matt.11.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matt.5.

"meek." Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2014. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/meek (18 May 2014).


The main points for this lesson:

Remember, beatitude means happy or blessed. Jesus is telling us the way to true happiness and blessedness. The beatitudes teach us who will be happy and why that person will be happy.

To be meek is to be gentle toward others. (Some English Bible translations use the word “gentle” in place of the word “meek.”) Further, to be meek is to be a person who does not become angry easily when mistreated. Instead, the meek person is patient with others. A person who is meek does not fear others. Though he is gentle and patient, he does not give in to demands or threats to do what is wrong. Rather, a meek person trusts in the Lord. He trusts that the Lord will repay the evildoer at the right time. He also trusts the Lord to take care of him while he obeys God by being patient and gentle when others are being unkind and angry. Meekness is seen in how we treat others, especially those who treat us poorly. However, being meek must begin (and continue) in our heart and mind. We can be only as meek as we trust God.

Without always using the word “meek,” the book of Proverbs give several examples of what it means to be meek. When someone is angry, a meek person responds with a gentle answer (Proverbs 15:1). The meek person does not consider how to get even, but trusts the Lord to work out the bad situation (Proverbs 20:22). The meek person does not get his way by using angry words and threats, or violent actions. Rather, he persuades others through patience (Proverbs 25:15).

Why will the meek be happy? Jesus said that the meek person will be happy and blessed. Being meek brings with it the joy that comes with obeying our Lord Jesus Christ. While anger most often creates more troubles, meekness allows for and leads to peace between people. We want to get many things for ourselves. We use angry and mean words. We threaten, and hurt others. We use violence and force to get our way. People who use these ways to obtain and get will lose in the end. It is the meek who will inherit and gain all that is truly worth inheriting and gaining.


Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Read Matthew 5:5 with the children.

Give the children a simple explanation of what it means to be meek. It is to be gentle and patient both in our actions and in our heart toward others, especially those who mistreat us.

Use the four stories below (Luke 9:51-56; 2 Samuel 16:5-13; Matthew 26:46-57; Acts 4:1-22). Ask the children who is meek and who is not in these stories and why. As you read the two stories about Jesus, it may be good to emphasize that Jesus is meek, and that we are to learn of him (Matthew 11:29). In this way we will find rest for our souls.

Remind the children that Jesus taught us that this is the path to true happiness and blessedness. As you read the stories, you could ask the children or talk with them about who gained what. What did the person or people gain who were not meek? What did the meek person gain in the story? What will the meek person gain in the future?

If possible, as they are able to understand, ask them with whom they would rather deal, with the meek person or the one who is not meek? If they prefer the meek person, then how should they be toward others?

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.


Stories:

Luke 9:51-56 [51] It came to pass, when the days were near that he should be taken up, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem, [52] and sent messengers before his face. They went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, so as to prepare for him. [53] They didn’t receive him, because he was traveling with his face set towards Jerusalem. [54] When his disciples, James and John, saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from the sky, and destroy them, just as Elijah did?” [55] But he turned and rebuked them, “You don’t know of what kind of spirit you are. [56] For the Son of Man didn’t come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” They went to another village.
The people in a village of the Samaritans would not let Jesus stay in their village because he was traveling to Jerusalem. The response of James and John to this rejection is the contrast to Jesus' response. Jesus is meek in this unfair rejection, that is, he was patient and gentle.

2 Samuel 16:5-13 [5] When king David came to Bahurim, behold, a man of the family of the house of Saul came out, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera. He came out, and cursed still as he came. [6] He cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David, and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. [7] Shimei said when he cursed, “Be gone, be gone, you man of blood, and base fellow! [8] Yahweh has returned on you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned! Yahweh has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom your son! Behold, you are caught by your own mischief, because you are a man of blood!” [9] Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please let me go over and take off his head.” [10] The king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? Because he curses, and because Yahweh has said to him, ‘Curse David;’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” [11] David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, “Behold, my son, who came out of my bowels, seeks my life. How much more this Benjamite, now? Leave him alone, and let him curse; for Yahweh has invited him. [12] It may be that Yahweh will look on the wrong done to me, and that Yahweh will repay me good for the cursing of me today.” [13] So David and his men went by the way; and Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him, and cursed as he went, threw stones at him, and threw dust.
King David's son, Absalom, was trying to take over the government. David was the rightful king, but he chose to flee. This story took place during that flight. Shimei cursed and threw stones at King David and the people with him. Notice the difference between Abishai's response to Shimei (16:9) and David's response to Shemei (16:10-12). Abishai wanted to put Shemei to death right away. David responded with patience and humility toward someone who was mistreating him, that is, he was meek.

Matthew 26:46-57 [46] Arise, let’s be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand.” [47] While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priest and elders of the people. [48] Now he who betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, “Whoever I kiss, he is the one. Seize him.” [49] Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed him. [50] Jesus said to him, “Friend, why are you here?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. [51] Behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear. [52] Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword. [53] Or do you think that I couldn’t ask my Father, and he would even now send me more than twelve legions of angels? [54] How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must be so?” [55] In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I sat daily in the temple teaching, and you didn’t arrest me. [56] But all this has happened, that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him, and fled. [57] Those who had taken Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together.
Judas betrayed Jesus. He led a large crowd from Jesus' enemies to find and capture Jesus. Jesus said that he is meek of heart (Matthew 11:29). In this story, Jesus responds three times. First, he responds to Judas who betrayed him with a kiss. He calls Judas friend. Second, Jesus responds to his disciple who tries to use violence to fix things. He corrects, and then patiently teaches his disciple. Third, Jesus responds to the crowd who came to seize him. He speaks firmly and clearly to them about their actions, but also patiently, with no threats or unrighteous anger. He does not call them names, but offers them the truth (which is able to set men free).
In all these responses, we do not find Jesus weak. Rather, his strength and firmness is shown in patience and humility. He does not fear man, but trusts God to take care of the situations as he obeys.

Acts 4:1-22 [1] As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came to them, [2] being upset because they taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. [3] They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was now evening. [4] But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
[5] In the morning, their rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem. [6] Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priest. [7] When they had stood them in the middle of them, they inquired, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” [8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, [9] if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, [10] be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in him does this man stand here before you whole. [11] He is ‘the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’ [12] There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!”
[13] Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus. [14] Seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. [15] But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, [16] saying, “What shall we do to these men? Because indeed a notable miracle has been done through them, as can be plainly seen by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we can’t deny it. [17] But so that this spreads no further among the people, let’s threaten them, that from now on they don’t speak to anyone in this name.”
[18] They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. [19] But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves, [20] for we can’t help telling the things which we saw and heard.” [21] When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done. [22] For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old.
Peter and John were arrested, put in jail, and threatened. How did they respond? On the one hand, they stood firm in their obedience to the the Lord of all. On the other hand, they responded to those who mistreated them with patient and gentle words, in humility and the fear of the Lord (1 Peter 3:15). The council found no offense in the way Peter responded to them.
In a sense, both sides faced a trial. The men of the council were offended that Jesus was being preached. Peter and John were mistreated. The council used force and angry words to try and get their way. Peter and John responded in meekness, with patience and humility toward those who mistreated them.


More Stories and Examples:

Numbers 12:1-16 [1] Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married; for he had married a Cushite woman. [2] They said, “Has Yahweh indeed spoken only with Moses? Hasn’t he spoken also with us?” And Yahweh heard it.
[3] Now the man Moses was very humble [meek], above all the men who were on the surface of the earth.
[4] Yahweh spoke suddenly to Moses, to Aaron, and to Miriam, “You three come out to the Tent of Meeting!” The three of them came out. [5] Yahweh came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the Tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forward. [6] He said, “Now hear my words. If there is a prophet among you, I, Yahweh, will make myself known to him in a vision. I will speak with him in a dream. [7] My servant Moses is not so. He is faithful in all my house. [8] With him, I will speak mouth to mouth, even plainly, and not in riddles; and he shall see Yahweh’s form. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses?” [9] Yahweh’s anger was kindled against them; and he departed.
[10] The cloud departed from over the Tent; and behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow. Aaron looked at Miriam, and behold, she was leprous. [11] Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord, please don’t count this sin against us, in which we have done foolishly, and in which we have sinned. [12] Let her not, I pray, be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb.” [13] Moses cried to Yahweh, saying, “Heal her, God, I beg you!” [14] Yahweh said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, shouldn’t she be ashamed seven days? Let her be shut up outside of the camp seven days, and after that she shall be brought in again.” [15] Miriam was shut up outside of the camp seven days, and the people didn’t travel until Miriam was brought in again. [16] Afterward the people traveled from Hazeroth, and encamped in the wilderness of Paran.
Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses. Moses did not respond by speaking against them. He was patient and allowed God to deal with the matter. Consider Moses' response when God put leprosy upon Miriam. He did not rejoice that Miriam got what she deserved. He did not even remain silent (Proverbs 24:17-18). Instead, Moses cried out to God to heal Miriam. He truly was meek above all men (Numbers 12:3).

Numbers 20:1-13 [1] The children of Israel, even the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin in the first month. The people stayed in Kadesh. Miriam died there, and was buried there. [2] There was no water for the congregation; and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. [3] The people quarreled with Moses, and spoke, saying, “We wish that we had died when our brothers died before Yahweh! [4] Why have you brought Yahweh’s assembly into this wilderness, that we should die there, we and our animals? [5] Why have you made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in to this evil place? It is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.” [6] Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and fell on their faces. Yahweh’s glory appeared to them. [7] Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, [8] “Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you, and Aaron your brother, and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it pour out its water. You shall bring water to them out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.” [9] Moses took the rod from before Yahweh, as he commanded him. [10] Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Shall we bring water out of this rock for you?” [11] Moses lifted up his hand, and struck the rock with his rod twice, and water came out abundantly. The congregation and their livestock drank. [12] Yahweh said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you didn’t believe in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” [13] These are the waters of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with Yahweh, and he was sanctified in them.
While there are many examples of the meekness and humility of Moses in dealing with a frustrating and contrary people, here is one (and only one) example of his failure to respond with meekness. The children of Israel were complaining and quarreling with Moses once again. God told Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water for the people. When Moses and Aaron gathered the people, Moses responded in anger and disobeyed God by striking the rock. Meekness begins in our heart and mind, but so does anger. Moses allowed anger to grow in his heart, and so he spoke out of what was in his heart.


Other Verses:

Psalm 37:1-11 [1] Don’t fret because of evildoers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness. [2] For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither like the green herb. [3] Trust in Yahweh, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture. [4] Also delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart. [5] Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this: [6] he will make your righteousness go out as the light, and your justice as the noon day sun. [7] Rest in Yahweh, and wait patiently for him. Don’t fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who makes wicked plots happen. [8] Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Don’t fret, it leads only to evildoing. [9] For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for Yahweh shall inherit the land. [10] For yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more. Yes, though you look for his place, he isn’t there. [11] But the humble [meek] shall inherit the land, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Psalm 76:7-9 [KJV] [7] Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry? [8] Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still, [9] When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.

Psalm 147:6 [KJV] The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.

Psalm 149:4 [KJV] For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

Proverbs 14:29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:18 A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.

Proverbs 16:32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.

Proverbs 17:27 He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.

Proverbs 19:11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense.

Proverbs 20:22 Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.

Proverbs 22:24-25 [24] Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man, and don’t associate with one who harbors anger: [25] lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul.

Proverbs 25:15 By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.

Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.
Meekness is not the fear of man. Rather, it is trusting God to take care of both us and the situation while we obey him by being patient, humble and gentle toward those who are mistreating us.

Ecclesiastes 10:4 If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don’t leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.

Isaiah 53:1-12 [1] Who has believed our message? To whom has the arm of Yahweh been revealed? [2] For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no good looks or majesty. When we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. [3] He was despised, and rejected by men; a man of suffering, and acquainted with disease. He was despised as one from whom men hide their face; and we didn’t respect him. [4] Surely he has borne our sickness, and carried our suffering; yet we considered him plagued, struck by God, and afflicted. [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed. [6] All we like sheep have gone astray. Everyone has turned to his own way; and Yahweh has laid on him the iniquity of us all. [7] He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he didn’t open his mouth. As a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is mute, so he didn’t open his mouth. [8] He was taken away by oppression and judgment; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living and stricken for the disobedience of my people? [9] They made his grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in his death; although he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. [10] Yet it pleased Yahweh to bruise him. He has caused him to suffer. When you make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed. He shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of Yahweh shall prosper in his hand. [11] After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light and be satisfied. My righteous servant will justify many by the knowledge of himself; and he will bear their iniquities. [12] Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the plunder with the strong; because he poured out his soul to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Matthew 11:28-30 [28] “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle [meek] and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Romans 12:16-21 [16] Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits. [17] Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. [18] If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. [19] Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” [20] Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.” [21] Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Galatians 5:22-23 [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, [23] gentleness [meekness], and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 [14] We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage the faint-hearted, support the weak, be patient toward all. [15] See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all.

2 Timothy 2:24-26 [24] The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient, [25] in gentleness [meekness] correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth, [26] and they may recover themselves out of the devil’s snare, having been taken captive by him to his will.

James 1:19-20 [19] So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; [20] for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God.

James 3:13-18 [13] Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom. [14] But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth. [15] This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. [16] For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. [17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [18] Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

1 Peter 2:18-25 [18] Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked. [19] For it is commendable if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God. [20] For what glory is it if, when you sin, you patiently endure beating? But if, when you do well, you patiently endure suffering, this is commendable with God. [21] For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps, [22] who did not sin, “neither was deceit found in his mouth.” [23] Who, when he was cursed, didn’t curse back. When he suffered, didn’t threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously; [24] who his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed. [25] For you were going astray like sheep; but now have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1 Peter 3:8-16 [8] Finally, be all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tender hearted, courteous, [9] not rendering evil for evil, or insult for insult; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing. [10] For, “He who would love life, and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. [11] Let him turn away from evil, and do good. Let him seek peace, and pursue it. [12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears open to their prayer; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” [13] Now who is he who will harm you, if you become imitators of that which is good? [14] But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “Don’t fear what they fear, neither be troubled.” [15] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear: [16] having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good way of life in Christ.

Jude 1:9 But Michael, the archangel, when contending with the devil and arguing about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him an abusive condemnation, but said, “May the Lord rebuke you!”


COMMENTARY

The meek - Meekness is patience in the reception of injuries. It is neither meanness nor a surrender of our rights, nor cowardice; but it is the opposite of sudden anger, of malice, of long-harbored vengeance. Christ insisted on his right when he said, “If I have done evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why smitest thou me?” Joh 18:23. Paul asserted his right when he said, “They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves, and fetch us out,” Act 16:37. And yet Christ was the very model of meekness. It was one of his characteristics, “I am meek,” Mat 11:29. So of Paul. No man endured more wrong, or endured it more patiently than he. Yet the Saviour and the apostle were not passionate. They bore all patiently. They did not press their rights through thick and thin, or trample down the rights of others to secure their own.

Meekness is the reception of injuries with a belief that God will vindicate us. “Vengeance is his; he will repay,” Rom 12:19. It little becomes us to take his place, and to do what he has promised to do.

Meekness produces peace. It is proof of true greatness of soul. It comes from a heart too great to be moved by little insults. It looks upon those who offer them with pity. He that is constantly ruffled; that suffers every little insult or injury to throw him off his guard and to raise a storm of passion within, is at the mercy of every mortal that chooses to disturb him. He is like “the troubled sea that cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.”

They shall inherit the earth - This might have been translated the land. It is probable that here is a reference to the manner in which the Jews commonly expressed themselves to denote any great blessing. It was promised to them that they should inherit the land of Canaan. For a long time the patriarchs looked forward to this, Gen 15:7-8; Exo 32:13. They regarded it as a great blessing. It was so spoken of in the journey in the wilderness, and their hopes were crowned when they took possession of the promised land, Deu 1:38; Deu 16:20. In the time of our Saviour they were in the constant habit of using the Old Testament, where this promise perpetually occurs, and they used it “as a proverbial expression to denote any great blessing, perhaps as the sum of all blessings,” Psa 37:20; Isa 60:21. Our Saviour used it in this sense, and meant to say, not that the meek would own great property or have many lands, but that they would possess special blessings. The Jews also considered the land of Canaan as a type of heaven, and of the blessings under the Messiah. To inherit the land became, therefore, an expression denoting those blessings. When our Saviour uses this language here, he means that the meek shall be received into his kingdom, and partake of its blessings here, and of the glories of the heavenly Canaan hereafter. The value of meekness, even in regard to worldly property and success in life, is often exhibited in the Scriptures, Pro 22:24-25; Pro 15:1; Pro 25:8, Pro 25:15. It is also seen in common life that a meek, patient, mild man is the most prospered. An impatient and quarrelsome man raises up enemies; often loses property in lawsuits; spends his time in disputes and broils rather than in sober, honest industry; and is harassed, vexed, and unsuccessful in all that he does. “Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come,” 1Ti 4:8. Compare 1Ti 6:3-6.

St. Augustine. Our Lord's Sermon On The Mount, According to Matthew. – Book 1, Chapter 2. [De Sermone Domini in Monte secundum Matthaeum.] Translated by The Rev. William Findlay, M.A., Larkhill. Revised and Annotated by The Rev. D.S. Schaff, Kansas City. Book 1, Chapter 2. [found in The Early Church Fathers Series. NPNF106.]
[Matthew 5:]4. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall by inheritance possess the earth:" that earth, I suppose, of which it is said in the Psalm, "Thou art my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." For it signifies a certain firmness and stability of the perpetual inheritance, where the soul, by means of a good disposition, rests, as it were, in its own place, just as the body rests on the earth, and is nourished from it with its own food, as the body from the earth. This is the very rest and life of the saints. Then, the meek are those who yield to acts of wickedness, and do not resist evil, but overcome evil with good. Let those, then, who are not meek quarrel and fight for earthly and temporal things; but "blessed are the meek, for they shall by inheritance possess the earth," from which they cannot be driven out.


Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley.
"It would indeed be cowardly and wrong to give up principle," replied Rose, "but surely it is noble and generous to give up our own wishes to another, where no principle is involved."
"Certainly, you are right," said Adelaide, musingly. "And now I recollect that, readily as Elsie gives up her own wishes to others on ordinary occasions, I have never known her to sacrifice principle; but, on the contrary, she has several times made mamma excessively angry by refusing to romp and play with Enna on the Sabbath, or to deceive papa when questioned with regard to some of Arthur's misdeeds; yet she has often borne the blame of his faults, when she might have escaped by telling of him. Elsie is certainly very different from any of the rest of us, and if it is piety that makes her what she is, I think piety is a very lovely thing."