Blessed are the Meek

Reading: Matthew 5:5, Matthew 21:1-5,

"Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth." 

Matthew 5:5

Blessed are the Meek:

What is meek? Does it mean weakness? Does it characterize a weak person? Or is it a character trait that is expressed in our dear Jesus? Is it also a character trait that is abiding in us as His followers? Let's seek out that blessing as we search the meaning and depth of this beautiful word. We will also journey through a some verses where it is used.

Before I understood the true meaning of meek, I thought it was weakness. However, meek does not suggest weakness. Rather it is controlled strength. That strength brings a confidence with humility and self control. Meekness is an important part of our character. When Jesus included this word in His Sermon on the Mount it was a trait He wanted us to have. The very foundation of all of these Beatitudes are actually Jesus' own nature, His innate character. These character traits are the life qualities He desires for us to rise to.  So let's dig in a little deeper. 

The Triumphal Entry 

In Jesus' last week of life, He drew near to Jerusalem. The Jewish people longed for Messiah to come in power and majesty. They had heard about the miracles He had done... He must be the One... their Messiah. They envisioned Him coming down from the Mount of Olives and ride into Jerusalem on a majestic horse to rescue them from Roman occupation and tyranny. But that is not what Jesus' decent from the Mount of Olives was meant to be. Rather a humble entry... Him riding on a little donkey, as seen in Zechariah's prophesy from long ago. In their hopes and longing for Messiah, they missed Him!!!Even though Zechariah's prophesied this very thing. (We will see more on this during Passion Week)

"Tell the daughter of Zion, Behold, your King is coming to you,  Lowly, and sitting on a donkey." 

Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 21: 5

Meek is also translated as lowly. Here is the definition from the Strong's Concordance. It is a great word describing Jesus' character.

Lowly, praus (prah-ooce) Strongs #4235 & #4239 A humility that is considerate, unassuming, gentle, mild, meek. The Zealots were looking for a warlike Messiah who would use force. Jesus showed a greater power than armed might, rather the power of humble wisdom and penetrating love. Meekness is not weakness, but power under perfect control. 

Wow, what an incredible word... better yet what an incredible Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ!!! 

Here is another verse where Jesus used the word, Lowly:

"Come to Me, all you who labor 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..." Matthew 11:28, 29

I love this verse. It speaks right into our hearts... hearts longing for rest in the busy culture we live in. When we are overwhelmed, He calls us to come to Him... to seek His rest. 

 "Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth."

 For they shall inherit the earth:

What does this mean, to inherit the earth? And why would the meek inherit the earth? How could this happen in today's world that we live in? Many powerful, arrogant people are controlling the earth. How could this be that the meek shall inherit the earth? I believe that this lies in the mystery of God's plans into the future. There is a verse in 2 Peter that comes to mind:

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away... Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness...?  

Nevertheless  we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."  2 Peter 3:10-13

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught His disciples, (us too) how to pray:

This is our hope and prayer even now:

"Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your Name. 

Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven... 

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen"  

Matthew 6:9-13

Yes, the meek will inherit the earth in the future. Though, this is now as we look forward to the day that the Lord will come. We look forward to Him coming soon as we live in difficult times. While we watch for the new heavens and new earth where true righteousness dwells, in the meantime, it is our time now on earth to live in the strength of meekness... to be filled with the Holy Spirit, demonstrating the power of humble wisdom, and penetrating love. Let's follow Jesus and to reach out to others to come into His Kingdom.

Meekness is not weakness, but power under perfect control.