Blessed Are the Meek

 

As stated in previous posts, the beatitudes are a progression, the steps that lead us to the heart of Jesus Christ himself. The path of righteousness is opposite from the path of our natural sinful fallen nature. The first beatitude is that we must be “poor in spirit” ... destitute and empty-handed in order to receive the blessings of the Lord. The second beatitude says, blessed are “they that mourn” for they shall be comforted. The comfort is in the Holy Spirit and the hope of the return of Jesus Christ at the resurrection of the dead – the Second Coming.

The third beatitude says, blessed are “the meek” for they shall inherit the earth. Meekness is not a wordy value ... the world discounts meekness. However, meekness is not weakness ... instead meekness is truly power under control. Jesus, although He had twelve legions of angels at his command, controlled His spirit to the glory of God. What would Jesus do? He said, “I always do my Father’s will.” Meekness includes being teachable ... coachable to follow the leading of our heavenly Father according to the Spirit of God, in Christ, in us.

In order to be blessed and meek before the Lord, first we must become “poor in spirit” and then mourn over our sins, having missed the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Meekness is adaptable and flexible to follow the Holy Spirit’s direction. Meekness is eager to reconcile and forgive. It is related to our Creator Father’s steadfast love ... His loving kindness, tender mercy, and compassionate forgiveness.

Even though Jesus ministered when Judea was under the oppression of the Roman Empire, He was not concerned about political correctness. He told His disciples and the Pharisaic leaders of the temple, render unto Cesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s. Meekness characterizes one who demonstrates kindness, generosity, and compassion toward those who are suffering and in distress. The meek are not caught up in their own self-interest. A meek individual is not defensive and self-absorbed, but instead seeks to comfort, bless, and minister to others.  

Meekness and humility counter the selfishness of pride. Meekness gives up our own rights and with a heart to serve others. It debases and decreases my own self-serving self so that the Lord may increase. To the meek Jesus said, “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” When we’re pulling alongside our Lord, He will carry the bulk of the load. With a heart of love and compassion, it’s no chore to carry a brother or sister who has fallen and needs my help. As the song says, “So, on we go. His welfare is of my concern. No burden is he to bear. We'll get there. For I know, he would not encumber me. He ain't heavy, he's my brother.” Meekness allows the Holy Spirit to come help Himself to my life. A man or woman of meekness knows by experience that it is more blessed to give than to receive.  

Meekness teaches that it is all of Thee and none of me. After the Apostle Paul had prayed three times for God to remove his thorn in the flesh, God finally answered him, “My strength is made perfect in thy weakness, my grace is sufficient for thee.” The reward of a meek heart is that the meek shall inherit the earth. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3, all things are yours and you are Christ’s and Christ is God’s.  

When you’re purposefully set at naught, when your good is spoken of as evil, your opinions ridiculed, and you take it all with patient silence, then you’re blessed to be numbered among the meek. When you’re standing in the midst of persecution for God’s righteous calling, when you can truly love to be unknown, then you understand the meaning of meekness. When everything I do is for God’s glory and not mine, when my purpose is to comfort and not be comforted, to serve and not be served, to love and not be loved, then I’ll understand the nature of Jesus Christ Himself ... for He who knew no sin was made sin for us that we may be made the righteousness of God in Him. Jesus Christ himself was our example of meekness that we may ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!

Your brother in Christ, Michael