What Jesus Did! 'Upside Down to the World' — Matthew 5:5

Sunday, February 9, 2025

[Jesus continued:]
"God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth."

Key Thought

Everything in our culture and experience says the meek and the humble will get run over and will be targets for bullies. But God says these are the very ones to receive the earth as an inheritance. Why? Because their strength comes from their dependence on God and not on worldly power, an accumulation of possessions, or unleashed violence. They don't try to break the grip of oppression by power but rather by their undaunted faithfulness in the face of unfairness, abuse, and difficulty. Godly character and faithfulness, not political might or monetary power, provide their power to change others. Jesus, of course, is the example of this kind of humility. All of God's promised blessings will come to the humble in the Kingdom family where the first will be last and the last will be first and the greatest of all is a servant (Matthew 20:16, 23:11).

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, help me to be patient and wait for your vindication and not extract revenge on others. I trust your faithfulness to bring about what is right and vindicate your servants. I know, through Jesus, that you will bring victory to your faithful and humble servants. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

10 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 5:5 NLT — [Jesus continued:]
"God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, February 9, 2025

A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"The Lord is my solid rock, my fortress, my rescuer. My God is my rock — I take refuge in him! — he’s my shield and my salvation’s strength, my place...."
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
""Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" [Paul] asked them. "No," they replied, "we haven't even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." ... Paul said,...."
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"[After Jesus' ascension,] the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the...."
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,...."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.