More on Matthew 5:5

I just can't let it go yet and go on to the next verse. I feel like I still need to look more into this contentment with you you are - no more, no less. I want what that brings - I want to be the proud owner of everything money can't buy. So I'm going to look at some other scriptures that use some of the key words that Jesus used here in Matthew 5:5. This word that gets translated as meek/content with who you are/humble; I want to look at some other passages that use this same word.

Psalm 37:10-11 (NIV):
A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.
The Message version says it this way:
Before you know it, the wicked will have had it; you'll stare at his once famous place and—nothing! Down-to-earth people will move in and take over, relishing a huge bonanza.
The entire 37th Psalm is comparing the evil with God's people. It is encouraging God's followers to not get discouraged when it appears that the wicked are prospering. It gives a lot of descriptions of God's people:

• They keep company with God (v.4)
• They quiet down before God and are engaged in prayer (v.7)
• They bridle their anger (v.8)
• Instead of being borrowers they give and give (v.21)
• They turn away from evil and choose to do good (v.27)
• They speak wisely (v.30)
• They say just things (v.30)
• God's word is in their hearts (v.31)

Perhaps the above describes a lifestyle, that when participated in, leads to contentment with who we are. The focus isn't on looking at myself and saying "yes I'm OK, in fact, I'm really good. I choose to love myself today." or any other such positive talk stuff. It seems to be more about being caught up in something bigger than myself, something so wonderful that I give my whole self to it!

I absolutely adore the way The Message translates the first part of the 34th verse and the 37-40 verses:

34 Wait passionately for God, don't leave the path.

37-38 Keep your eye on the healthy soul, scrutinize the straight life; There's a future in strenuous wholeness. But the willful will soon be discarded; insolent souls are on a dead-end street.

39-40 The spacious, free life is from God, it's also protected and safe. God-strengthened, we're delivered from evil— when we run to him, he saves us.

There's nothing passive in waiting "passionately". And then there's that "strenuous wholeness". The I see that we do this through God, it's he who strengthens and enables us.

Matthew 11:28-30

NIV: 28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

The Message: 28-30"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Now how appealing is Jesus' invitation here! Again I see this paradox that is so central to the Jesus Kingdom - to lose your life your way to truly gain your life (it's that you must go down before you go up thing again). I also see again that this contentment Jesus talked about in His sermon on the mount as a result of being meek is about a lifestyle, a way of living that produces this character trait that leads to blessing. I want what Jesus is offering here and as I read this some questions come to my mind- How do I : Get away with Him? Walk with Him? Work with Him? Watch how He did it? Learn the unforced rhythms of grace? Keep company with Him?

I'm going to have to think on this one. I don't think it's an instant answer kind of thing.