𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟯: 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝗸
Today we are in the third Beatitude found in the Sermon on the Mount. If you missed the previous ones, we suggest you go back and read those to get a better understanding of today's.
"𝘉𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘬, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩" (Matthew 5:5, ESV).
𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲
The word "meek" might sound unfamiliar or even negative to many of us today. It often gets misunderstood as being weak or timid. However, in biblical terms, meekness is far from weakness. It's about having strength under control and a humble, gentle spirit.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝗸?
Being meek means having a humble and submissive heart before God. It involves trusting in God's goodness and control over situations, rather than relying on our own strength or asserting our own will. Meekness is about being patient and gentle with others, even when we face injustice or provocation.
𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀
Moses is described as the meekest man on earth in Numbers 12:3. Despite his significant leadership role, he exhibited humility and dependence on God. Another powerful example is Jesus Himself. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus invites us to take His yoke and learn from Him, for He is "gentle and lowly in heart." Jesus displayed meekness throughout His ministry, especially in His willingness to suffer and die for our sins.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵
Jesus promises that the meek will inherit the earth. This echoes Psalm 37:11, which says, "But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace." This inheritance is not about material wealth but about the blessings of God's kingdom. The meek, those who submit to God's will and rely on His strength, will enjoy the fullness of life in God's presence now and forever.
𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀
Living out meekness involves cultivating humility, gentleness, and patience. It means trusting God in all circumstances and responding to others with kindness, even when we are wronged. Practicing meekness can be challenging, especially in a world that often values assertiveness and self-promotion. However, by relying on the Holy Spirit, we can grow in this beautiful trait.
𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
In James 1:21, we are encouraged to "receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." This shows that meekness involves a teachable spirit, open to God's Word. Additionally, Galatians 5:22-23 lists meekness (gentleness) as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating that it is a quality developed in us by God's work.
𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Reflect on areas in your life where you need to practice more meekness. Are there situations where you need to trust God more and rely less on your own strength? How can you respond with gentleness and patience in your interactions with others?
𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿
We invite you to say the following prayer as we study today’s Beatitude:
Heavenly Father, help me to be meek. Teach me to trust in Your strength rather than my own and to respond to others with humility and gentleness. Thank You for the promise that the meek will inherit the earth and for the blessings of Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's message, which will explore the fourth Beatitude: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."