Blessed are the Meek
25 May 2012
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Mat 5: 5
The Greeks call their horses “praüs”, or meek.
When the horse got to the level of training where it would obey the master (the rider) no matter what was going on, it could be trusted not to do something foolish in the heat of battle. Once the rider knew that he could trust the animal, and it would obey him no matter what, he called it a meek horse even though it might be a powerful, thoroughbred stallion capable of killing enemies in the battle.
Meekness is to take everything to HIM and trust HIM. Like a horse to listen only to the master and obey His commands. Meekness is the attitude in which we accept His dealings with us as good and therefore without disputing or resisting.
In the OT, the meek trust God completely rather than their own power to defend against injustice.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:2 – 4
Consider this passage in the context of a meek horse, and we can see that the horse trust in the goodness of his Master when it’s led in a path that leads to the valley of the shadow of death. The meek horse does not question, resist but only obeys.
To confront, to defend one’s self, to defend oneself, because we have rights, we deserve them, we believe in ourselves is the opposite of meekness.
Meekness is the opposite of assertiveness and self-interest. It stems from trust in God’s goodness and control over the situation. The gentle person is not at all preoccupied with the self. It is a work of the Holy Spirit, not by the will of man.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Gal 5: 22 – 23
How can we count others better than ourselves when we see that they are far below us in wisdom, holiness, natural gifts or grace received? The question itself immediately proves how little we understand what humility is.
True humility comes when we have seen in the light of God that we are nothing and have agreed that God is everything. The humble or meek man no longer compares himself to others.
THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS CHRIST
But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Phil 2: 7- 8
His humility gave His death the value that became our salvation.
Without humility, there can be no true dwelling in God’s presence or enjoying His favour and the power of His Spirit. Without humility, there is no faith, love, joy, or strength demonstrated in our lives. Humility is not a virtue that will come by itself. It’s a desire for it that must be cultivated through prayer and practice.
“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Mat 11:28 – 30
“Yet it shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mat 20:26 – 28
Humiliation is the only path to honour in God’s kingdom.
Written by C&C