The Meek (Part 1)

By Clifton Angel       Following His message of blessedness for those who are poor in spirit and mournful over sin, Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). What does it mean to be meek?      First, meekness is not weakness; it is actually the very opposite. Carl W. Cheatham said, “The Greeks used the word to describe a horse that had been broken—power under control” (1993 Faulkner Lectures). It is stronger than sheer strength, as it includes the ability to control said strength, subdue it, and guide it properly. When I think about power, or strength, under control, I think about Jesus, Himself. We recently considered His words: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29–30). Many details about our Lord show His meek-ness:  His  earthly  mission  (Philippians  2:5–8);  His  lowly birth  (Luke  2:7);  His  low  estate  (Matthew  13:55;  Mark 6:3;  Matthew  8:20;  Luke  9:58);  His  “triumphant”  entry upon the foal of a donkey (Matthew 21:1-11); His example to His apostles (John 13); His illegal trial, lack of defense, and undeserved death (Matthew 26:36–27:66). Truly, Jesus is our greatest example of meekness. Furthermore, I think of the Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 11:22–31). I think about the Spirit’s fruit (Galatians 5:22–23; James 1:21). I think about the restoring brother … (Galatians 6:1). I think about the husbands & wives of 1 Peter 3:1-7. Truly meekness is not weakness.     Second, meekness is not immediate. In the record of Numbers 12:3, it is said, “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” Although, this account highlights his meekness, I am reminded of a time when he, perhaps, was not. In the record of Exodus chapters three and four, it is noted how that Moses made several excuses to try to flee from the responsibilities to which God was calling him (cf. especially, Exodus 3:11, 13; 4:1, 10). At that moment in Moses’ life, he was exhibiting weakness instead of meekness. With God’s help, Moses would grow stronger and meeker. This did not mean he was perfect, but the inspired record has been preserved with him being “very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3).     Perhaps, the greatest ability, or strength, that we have is the ability to choose. In relation to being poor in spirit and mournful over sin, we have the ability to subdue our own will in recognition and desire to follow God’s will. Are you poor in spirit, recognizing that without God you are nothing?  Do you mourn over sin, which leads to death and destruction? Have you exhibited meekness in surrendering your life to the will of God?

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/