The world is full of contrast, black and white, rich and poor, high or low, night or day. By these contrasts the LORD would teach us that there is a difference between HIS kingdom and that of this world. The scripture says "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man., but the end thereof are the ways of death". (Prov.16:25) The bent of mans nature always leads him contrary to the way of righteousness. Man in his natural state cannot understand, cannot love, and will not follow the revelation of GOD's definition of righteousness. The power of the delusion of the flesh is so strong that even those who are redeemed and set free from the law (i.e. principle) of sin and death (see Rom. 8:2) often fall under its spell and act according to the flesh rather that the SPIRIT. In so doing they reap the rewards of the flesh. "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die, but if ye through the SPIRIT do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." (Rom. 8:13)
The message which the LORD JESUS taught was not roundly received because it was so much at odds with the way men think. If HE had required that men take up swords to fight the Romans or if HE had prescribed some religious exercise for men to do they would no doubt have followed HIS lead? Yet HE told them to love those who meant their harm, no only to refrain from returning their hatred but to pray for them and bless them (see Mt. 5:44). He said "if any man will sue thee at the law, go with him twain" (i.e. two), (Mt. 5: 40, 41). The LORD spoke not with regard to how we act in a court of law or in response to some earthly judgment but was especially concerned with how we act to those who mistreat us and mean to take advantage of us.
The flesh rushes to judgment and brands such actions as weakness or cowardice. Surely we are to return exactly what we get. We need to get back at those who harm us. Yet the LORD said "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" (Mt. 5:5) It does not appear likely that a position from which one stands to gain everything is one of weakness, but rather of strength. "The wicked have drawn out their sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken." (Ps. 37 14, 15) "But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: HE is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: HE shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in HIM." (Ps. 37: 39, 40) The fact of the matter is that to trust in the arm of the flesh is to fail. The only assured course of victory is to trust in the LORD and lean not on the understanding of the natural mind.
What are characteristics of the Meek?
1. They are those who have no confidence in the flesh. (Phil. 3:3) Having walked in the flesh; they know and understand that the way of the flesh is the way of death. They know and understand that nothing good can come out of acting in the flesh.
2. They believe that vengeance belongs to the LORD. They are assured that GOD is able to handle every situation and will bring forth the judgment that is appropriate in time and scope. The flesh oaths to leave the judgment of the wicked to the LORD preferring rather to mete it out in a fashion that can be immediately seen. The meek understand that justice delayed is not justice forgotten.
3. They don't have axes to grind or points to prove. The word of the LORD is sufficient to the meek. They have no need to impress men or walk in a way that is pleasing to the world or necessarily fulfilling to the flesh.
Why does the world hate the Meek?
They do no seek the approval of the world. They are no in conformity to that which the flesh deems proper. Their righteousness testifies to the world's condemnation. They are the embodiment of CHRIST who said "take my yoke upon you, and learn of ME; for I am meek and lowly in heart" (Mt. 11:29) as the darkness hates the light so the world despises the way of the meek.
What shall be the end of the Meek?
They shall inherit the earth (Ps. 37:11, Mt. 5:5) They shall eat and be satisfied (Ps. 22:6) They shall be guided in judgment and taught the way of the LORD (Ps. 25;9) They shall be blessed with abundance of peace (Ps. 37; 11) God shall save them all. (Ps. 76: 9). They shall be lifted up while the wicked are cast down (Ps. 147:6) They shall increase their joy in the LORD (Isa. 29:19 They shall be hid in the day of the LORD's anger (Zep. 2:3) They shall find rest unto their souls (Mt. 11:29) Will you walk in the weakness of the flesh which shall surely fail or will you rise up with wings of eagles and soar in the triumph that belongs only to the meek? "The triumphing of the wicked is short, and joy of the hypocrite a moment" (Job 20:5) 'To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with ME in my throne, even as I overcame and am set down with my FATHER in HIS throne.' (Rev. 3:21 mam