The Meek
Series – The Posture of Beatitude
Jesus implores us to be this. Though a sign of weakness to the world, ‘meekness’ is a virtue in God’s eyes. In fact, those that possess this characteristic are promised an inheritance – the earth. So If your thought is that meekness is a sign of weakness, then i am here to tell you – you’re not wrong…but here is why!
Jesus had a mission to accomplish the will of His father, and nothing was to get in the way of that
Jesus was not meek as the english definition of that word suggests. In fact, Jesus was far from the meaning of that word. Run through your mind, and think about all the accounts that are contrary to this popular opinion taken of Jesus. Was He just a door mat? Did he always allow man to impose their will on him? No! Jesus had a mission to accomplish the will of His father, and nothing was to get in the way of that. Therefore, it cannot be said that He was meek; it’s just not an accurate representation of the man Jesus Christ’s disposition.
What is being said here then? The true meaning of the greek words ‘praos’ or ‘prautes’ are defined by Aristotle as the middle of two extremes – excessive anger, or never being angry: he calls this the “golden mean”. This is the perfect response to any situation – absolute control over one’s emotions, and as a result one’s decisions. The implication of this is great, because flipping tables and chasing people out of a temple with a whip seems a bit out of order in near enough any context…until it comes to God. The chastisement received by the religious leaders for their constant hypocrisy that defamed the things of God was relentless, and Jesus never pulled His punches. He judged religious hypocrisy, but never opened His mouth against accusations on himself; He called the religious leaders vipers, and allowed himself to be called a devil; He kept the adulteress from execution, then allowed himself to be crucified. He was disrespected by samaritans, His heritage was ridiculed, his beard was plucked, face slapped, back whipped, and He never opened His mouth to defend himself…do you see what is going on here? Jesus does not care for his own reputation, however, He is completely submitted to the will of God and is livid when God is being misrepresented.
Though kind and humble, they are stern and fierce, commanding respect from all those they meet.
As those that are striving to possess the posture of beatitude, we must shed the current lame misconception of a hypocrisy and sin tolerant God. Only then, will we be able to be “Praosand humble in heart,” (LSB) as our savior encourages us to be:
- We must live a life in submission to God, allowing his Word and Spirit to instruct us in the path of righteousness.
- We must grant mercy to the weak, and be just to those that have been condemned.
- We must be humble enough to never care for what others are saying about us, or doing to us, but instead derive our sense of worth from Jesus alone.
- And we must fight against sin and hypocrisy, never ignoring the problems that misrepresent our God and instead calling them out.
A person unfazed by their own reputation. Instead looking to the needs and wants of God and those around him. Though kind and humble, they are stern and fierce, commanding respect from all those they meet.
We have been called to be kings and priests. To Judge the earth in righteousness and rule with the King of kings and the Lord of lords in His new earth. So this would be the posture of a Priestly King! When one receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit, they receive the promise of this gift. The Holy Spirit is called “the earnest of our inheritance” and is a portion of what is to come. The sealing of a wonderful promise.
It is this same Holy Spirit that will allow us to posses a ‘Jesus like’ command over our emotions, and instead use our anger to take the kingdom, not defend our honor.
It is this same Holy Spirit that will allow us to posses a ‘Jesus like’ command over our emotions, and instead use our anger to take the kingdom, not defend our honor. And that very same spirit will comfort us, guide us, and give us a mouth to speak God’s praises when the will of God is for us to encounter a season of suffering and abasement.
Jesus said that life is easy when you simplify it to this – be like me! Submit to God in all things and give your burdens to the Lord. He will give you the gift that not only brings prautes, peace, joy, love, and all that comes with the fruit of the spirit; you will receive a promise of eternal life, and an honor to reign with Him forevermore.
Daily Reading
Psalm 37; John 8:1-11; Matthew 11:29; Revelation 1:6; 20:4-6; Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 21:12-13; Matthew 26:67-68; Isaiah 53:7