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

The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"If we can only grasp these words by faith, we have an all-conquering weapon in our hand. What doubt will not be slain by this two-edged sword? What..."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"It was by faith that Moses prepared the Passover and spread the blood on the doors so the one who brings death would not kill the firstborn sons of..."
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Seeker, When seen in the darkness of a moonless sky away from the light pollution from your cities, the billions upon billions of stars merge..."
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, God of the lowly, Help me live in harmony with others - without haughtiness, without conceit, willing to associate with the lowly. Help...."

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.