Matthew 5:5-6
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read Matthew 5:5-6 focusing especially on verse five.
The word “humble” is often translated as “meek,” but the Greek word in this passage doesn’t indicate weakness. Quite to the contrary, the humble or meek person of whom Jesus speaks is one who has power but uses it gently to bring good to others. This is the shalom use of power – power the way God intended it to be used.
Think of the people over whom you have any degree of influence or power. Would these people describe your behavior toward them as gentle and good? Stay with this question for a moment and then discuss it with Jesus.
What about your power over your own decisions and actions?
How are you seeking to yield your power (over others or over yourself) to God?
Get quiet and listen to Jesus for a moment or two.
Read Matthew 5:5-6 again, this time focusing on verse six.
Justice, or righteousness, as it is often translated, is synonymous with shalom. Justice in this sense is the rightness ordained by God from the beginning of time, and those who feel the lack of this justice are driven to restore it as much as a painfully hungry or thirsty person is driven to eat or drink.
Some people naturally have a stronger sense of injustice when they see inequities or abuses in the world, but Jesus says that God showers benefits on everyone who longs for and works for justice – they are “blessed,” and ultimately God will satisfy their longing.
How do you react when you see inequities and injustice in the world? How do you react when the injustice is directed toward you?
Get still and quiet for a moment and simply listen to Jesus.
What might Jesus be inviting you to do or say about your sense of injustice or lack thereof?
What will you do in response?
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