On May 17, 2026, one week before Pentecost, Kuala Lumpur Immanuel Church reflected on the third attitude of heart that the people of God should possess.
Presided over by Pastor Maryon Kim, the service featured intercessory prayer by Brother Sungmin Chang (2nd Gen.), and a sermon titled “Blessed Are the Meek, for They Will Inherit the Earth,” based on Matthew 5:5, delivered by Pastor Samuel Chang.
Emphasizing the biblical meaning of meekness, Pastor Chang explained that Jesus was introducing a radically different vision of the Kingdom of God — a kingdom built not on violence and power, but on gentleness, humility, and peace.
Pastor Chang noted that throughout human history, nations and kingdoms have been ruled through military strength, wealth, and violence. Yet Jesus proclaimed a future kingdom where the meek, rather than the powerful, would inherit the earth. According to the sermon, the “earth” mentioned in the Beatitude does not merely refer to physical land, but symbolizes the Kingdom of God and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
He explained that Jesus taught strict nonviolence, declaring that the violent systems of the world would ultimately come to an end. The coming kingdom, he said, is a world characterized by peace, reconciliation, and the power of softness rather than force.
Drawing from Scripture, Pastor Chang highlighted the example of Jesus Himself. The Bible portrays Christ not as a worldly conqueror, but as a lamb — gentle, humble, and willing to suffer. Yet within that apparent weakness was true spiritual power. He emphasized that Christians are likewise called to cultivate meek and tender hearts rather than anger, aggression, or pride.
The sermon also reflected extensively on the life of Moses. Pastor Chang recounted how Moses initially attempted to save his people through violence by killing an Egyptian, only to flee into the wilderness for forty years. During that period, Moses was transformed from a violent man into a meek shepherd. According to the message, God later called Moses back only after this transformation had taken place.
However, Pastor Chang pointed out that even Moses was ultimately unable to enter the Promised Land because of a moment of anger when he struck the rock in the wilderness. The issue, he explained, was not simply the act itself, but the rage and impatience revealed in Moses’ heart. This served as a warning that anger, violence, and uncontrolled temper are incompatible with the character of the Kingdom of God.
Referencing the confrontation at Jesus’ arrest, Pastor Chang also recalled how Jesus rebuked Peter for using a sword, saying, “Those who live by the sword will die by the sword.” Even when motives appear righteous, he said, violence cannot bring about God’s salvation.
The message concluded with a call for believers to continually remove anger, rage, and violence from their hearts. Pastor Chang compared this spiritual process to Old Testament sacrifices, explaining that just as sacrificial animals were cleansed of blood, Christians today must offer themselves to God by removing sinful tendencies from within.
Quoting Isaiah 2:4, Pastor Chang declared that the Gospel ultimately points toward a future world of peace:
“Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
He encouraged believers not to seek greatness through worldly strength, but to depend on God’s power through humility and meekness. Though Christians may appear weak by worldly standards, he said, God strengthens the meek and gives them the power to inherit His Kingdom.
Meanwhile, although attendance at the Sunday service was low due to various personal circumstances, the service was filled with even greater grace thanks to the members who longed for God’s Word and observed the Sabbath with gratitude.