Who are the meek and why are they blessed? Part 2 of 2

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

(Matthew 5:5 ESV)

I believe meekness is what characterizes and flows out of a God dependent believer. Those who have taken refuge in Jesus and can be patient in him are most peaceful and happy. Humility is trusting in God's provision and promises for abundant life in and through Jesus. We can be happy in God when we no longer trust in ourselves and the world, seeing clearly that we are spiritually bankrupt without God(poor in spirit) and mourn over our sins and the sins of the world in a way that Glorifies God as our refuge and comfort. When we have this deep foundation of security and joy we will be able to love others well, even sacrificially.

Meekness is when we trust God to fight our battles and lead our lives. It is a laying down of our rights with confidence that God will work all things for the good for those who love him(Romans 8:28). Meekness is not weakness. It is not just being quiet and letting others walk on you. It is an inner peace exposed when they do, even when it hurts.

Do you find yourself being defensive? It comes out in different ways. Some people come right out with straight forward statements while others are painfully sarcastic. Some people are even quiet thinking that by not exposing their inward restlessness or rage is somehow better. Insecurity and pride are the root. Not having a secure footing on the strong rock of Jesus causes this constant grappling attempts for a stronghold. There are no lasting strongholds outside of Jesus so the panic and fight continues on and on. Whether we fight or take flight both reactions are self focused and will lead to greater pain and confusion.

We need to find our peace and defense in Jesus as we work things out with others. The world tells us that we must fight if we want to have the world. We have to compete with others and push them down so we can be on top. We feel we have to exalt ourselves, defend ourselves, run to ourselves, lead ourselves if we want real peace and life, if we what our little peace of the world as we think it should be. Don't do it. Jesus tells us that he owns the world and is giving it to us....so relax in him, his grace is enough.

Let the depths of the waters of peace and love that flow from the One who says we 1-belong to the kingdom of God and 2-are comforted by him and 3-will inherit the earth satisfy your raging heart, your worrying heart, your confused heart, your hopeless heart, and your defensive heart. Meekness is experienced and shown when there is a deep dependent faith in our sovereign God.

Some gleanings:

By nature these people might be volatile, temperamental, and gruff. But by purposefully taking Christ’s spirit on them, they become meek or gentle.

The meek person is gentle and mild in his own cause, though he may be a lion in God’s cause or in defending others.

William MacDonald (above)

• Meekness is the opposite of being out of control. It is not weakness, but rather supreme self-control empowered by the Spirit.

John MacArthur

• He means those who are of a patient and contented spirit. They are willing to put up with little honor here below. They can bear injuries without resentment. They are not ready to take offence….They are never losers in the long run. One day they shall “reign on the earth.” (Rev. 5:10)

J.C. Ryle

• By the meek he means persons of mild and gentle dispositions, who are not easily provoked by injuries, who are not ready to take offense, but are prepared to endure anything rather than do the like actions to wicked men.

• Foolishness that the world teaches- “We must howl with the wolves, because the wolves will immediately devour every one who makes himself a sheep.”

• Christ alone is the guardian of our life, all that remains for us is to “hide ourselves under the shadow of his wings,” (Psalm 17:8)

• We must be sheep, if we wish to be reckoned a part of his flock.

• Ferocious people are disturbed by their own restlessness.

• Though exposed to every species of attack, subject to the malice of wicked men, surrounded by all kinds of danger, they are safe under the divine protection. They have already a foretaste, at least, of this grace of God; and that is enough for them, till they enter, at the last day, into the possession of the inheritance of the world.

John Calvin

• Carry themselves courteously, and affably to all; have the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; do not envy the gifts and graces of other men; are willing to be instructed and admonished, by the meanest of the saints; quietly submit to the will of God, in adverse dispensations of providence; and ascribe all they have, and are, to the grace of God. Meekness, or humility, is very valuable and commendable.

• It is a fruit of the Spirit of God; which was eminently in Christ, and is very ornamental to believers; and of great advantage and use to them…

Gill