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 featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless."
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, who hears our prayers, May all of your people pray earnestly for each other, and especially for your ministers, that your word may speed..."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"I know what you do, that you are not hot or cold. I wish that you were hot or cold! 16 But because you are lukewarm—neither hot, nor cold—I am ready....."
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
"The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

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.