The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth: Exodus 12:14-13:16; Psalm 25:16-22; Proverb 6:12-15

The LORD had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians. – Exodus 12:36

 

When I look at the world around me and ask whether Christians are really better off than non-Christians, sometimes I feel like the answer is No.

 

When I examine the list of the 100 richest people on earth, I can’t tell without a bit of research, but I’m guessing that few of them serve Jesus our King. Christians serve the King of the universe, but the spoils so far seem to be going to the rebels. Now don’t get me wrong; some of these people do really great things with their money. But they do those things for their own honor, not for King Jesus. Because they don’t believe He’s King, they don’t consider themselves to be rebels. But isn’t that precisely what a rebel is? Someone who has rejected his ruler’s claim to rule?

 

Will Christians ever see Jesus Christ glorified? Will His Kingdom ever be better off than the world’s?

 

Sometimes we forget. We forget that we’re not just talking about a mere man who rules; we’re talking about Jesus, the Son of God. We forget that our King isn’t satisfied with the way things are now; He’s coming back to claim the victory. We forget that our God has promised—twice!—that the meek shall inherit the earth (Psalm 37:11; Matthew 5:5).  And we forget that God has already proved His ability to make this happen.

 

When God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, He told them to ask the Egyptians for silver, gold, and clothing. And He inclined the Egyptians to give the Israelites whatever they asked for. “So they plundered the Egyptians.” In this epic war between God’s Kingdom and Pharaoh’s, God won decisively. His people—the slaves, the meek—inherited the goods. How much more certainly will God’s people look like winners once Jesus comes back to earth to put an end to all rebellion, all sin, all wickedness, and all brokenness!

 

A war between God and rebels has been raging for thousands of years. This war is not fought with military aircraft, sea vessels or tanks. It is not fought with machine guns or rocket launchers. This war is fought with words, with the opposing weapons of truth and lies.

 

But there are some decisive moments in the history of this war. Jesus Christ came to earth and became a man. He died on the cross to pay for men’s sins. He rose from the dead, personally conquering sin and its power, death. And Jesus is coming back one day to put an end to this war.

 

Believers, don’t be discouraged when it looks like we’re doing no better than unbelievers. Don’t be discouraged when it feels like we’re losing, even like we’re slaves! When Jesus comes back, those who meekly depend on Him to win the war will inherit all things.

 

Father, thank You that I don’t have to look like a winner to be on the winning team. Thank You that I don’t have to be a star to qualify for the team. Your team needs only one star, Jesus Christ. His righteousness, power, and glory are enough for us all, and He will share the spoils of His victory with us! Thank You for such amazing grace—that I can be blessed simply because Jesus is my King!