Selwyn continues to explore the meaning of the third beatitude (Matthew 5:5); ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.’ He first looks at other translation of this verse, by quoting J.B. Phillips; ‘Happy are those who claim nothing, for the whole earth will belong to them.’ Selwyn then says; ‘The meek are free from a spirit of demandingness.’
Further on, he says: ‘Christians who are meek will not be over-sensitive about themselves, nor defensive, for they are content to leave everything in the hands of God, trusting Him to keep His promise that every negative will be turned to a positive, and every difficulty become a door of opportunity.’
I think it is important to keep in mind that in some cases we may not see (in out time) that every negative will be turned into a positive. We know from reading Genesis 50:19-20, when Joseph is reassuring his brothers that he does not hold a grudge against them (for thinking of killing him and then selling him into slavery). Joseph is able to say these words, many years after the event; “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives …”
I think that just as meekness is a gift from God and not the adoption of a relaxed attitude produced by our own efforts that the ability to trust God when bad things happen – is also a spiritual gift. God will use such events to achieve His purposes but that it may not be obvious to us, at the time – do you agree?
I also like the reading for today. Titus 3:1-11, especially the first seven verses: ‘Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men and women.
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
I really like the last sentence – was there anything that stood out for you, in these verses?
All things serve
Selwyn continues to explore the meaning of the third beatitude (Matthew 5:5); ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.’ He first looks at other translation of this verse, by quoting J.B. Phillips; ‘Happy are those who claim nothing, for the whole earth will belong to them.’ Selwyn then says; ‘The meek are free from a spirit of demandingness.’
Further on, he says: ‘Christians who are meek will not be over-sensitive about themselves, nor defensive, for they are content to leave everything in the hands of God, trusting Him to keep His promise that every negative will be turned to a positive, and every difficulty become a door of opportunity.’
I think it is important to keep in mind that in some cases we may not see (in out time) that every negative will be turned into a positive. We know from reading Genesis 50:19-20, when Joseph is reassuring his brothers that he does not hold a grudge against them (for thinking of killing him and then selling him into slavery). Joseph is able to say these words, many years after the event; “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives …”
I think that just as meekness is a gift from God and not the adoption of a relaxed attitude produced by our own efforts that the ability to trust God when bad things happen – is also a spiritual gift. God will use such events to achieve His purposes but that it may not be obvious to us, at the time – do you agree?
I also like the reading for today. Titus 3:1-11, especially the first seven verses: ‘Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men and women.
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
I really like the last sentence – was there anything that stood out for you, in these verses?