Beatitudes: Lesson 2

By Deborah Bateman –

Matthew 5:5-6

Blessed [are] the meek: For they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: For they shall be filled.

As Women of Wisdom, it is beneficial for us to study the Bible and see what God has to say to us concerning our Attitudes. This study of The Beatitudes is a series of four lessons. This is lesson two. We will cover a few of the scriptures in each article.

The scriptures for this lesson are from Matthew 5:5-6. Remember that this scripture is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Therefore, this is Jesus speaking. He says, blessed are the meek. What does that mean?

Some words that we may use to describe the word meek are humble, timid, submissive, gentle, docile, modest, compliant, and mild. Do any of those words describe you? As I am looking at this list, I am wondering the same thing. Being meek does not mean we are weak. It just means that we are willing to submit ourselves to a higher purpose. Jesus says the meek shall inherit the earth. This shows us that just because we are meek doesn’t mean we will lose out. God will provide for us!

As women who were born during the Baby Boom years and the Women’s movement years, we are probably not naturally meek. These characteristics are only something we can have through having Jesus Christ in our heart and life. When it is your natural tendency to be driven and motivated to achieve, it is hard for you to be meek in your own strength.

Jesus, then says, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.” What does He mean by that? If you hunger and thirst for something, you will seek it out. Have you ever wanted a piece of chocolate bad? If you don’t have any in the house you will be on your way to the store soon! This type of hunger Jesus is talking about is much stronger than your desire for food or drink. This hunger is a longing deep in your soul that only He can fill.

What are some of the words we can use to describe righteousness? They are virtue, morality, justice, decency, uprightness, rectitude, and honesty. Do you think this is something we can be in our own human nature?

Jesus says those that hunger and thirst after righteousness, He will fill. This is a continuous filling. It is kind of like when you hunger and thirst for food or drink. You have a meal and are satisfied for a while, then in a few hours you are ready for another meal. That is why we need to be continually filling ourselves by studying God’s word.

This reminds me of one of my favorite scriptures from Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

If we desire to know God and to seek after His righteousness, we have to seek Him. This scripture tells us that if we seek Him we will find Him. Are you seeking?

Be on the lookout for our next article on the Beatitudes. We will discuss the next few scriptures and see what Jesus has to say concerning them.

If you missed the first lesson, the link to it is:  www.livingbetterat50.com/beatitudes/.

Deborah H. Bateman is a Christian Author, Blogger and Website Designer. She is in the process of publishing my first E-Book “The Book of Ruth” Daily-Bible-Reading. It is a Daily Bible Study of The Book of Ruth. It should be published in August 2011. Look for it on Amazon and Smashwords. You can find her at her personal website and several blogs, the Links Page to see all the places you can find Deborah on the web. Website: Christian Daily Resources-At: http://www.christiandailyresources.com/.