I have heard that if you play a country record backwards, your spouse returns, your dog is resurrected, and your truck starts working again. Now, I know in many ways that life isn’t that way. But there is a grain of truth in the fact that when we apply the wisdom of Jesus, a truth that is in many ways seems upside down, that that things do turn around. This truth doesn’t stop life from happening around us but it very often helps us get through those tough times.
In this next Beatitude, Jesus exposes another truth upside down. This next building block in our attitudes, if we apply this wisdom, can do much to bring peace and fulfillment to our lives.
Matthew 5:5 (TNIV)
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
Now I know that this concept runs totally counter to the emphasis of the world in which we live.
The late Emmet Fox said, “When you possess the spiritual meaning of this text you have the secret of dominion–the secret of overcoming every kind of difficulty. It is literally the key of life.” That is a strong statement!
The world takes the position that powerful, controlling people are happy. People who fit that mold are often essentially miserable, lonely inside, and always searching for a little piece of heaven–yet it always seems just around the corner (in other words, they just haven’t been able to find it yet).
The Beatitudes call us to BE something before we DO anything.
Meekness should not to be misunderstood as weakness. If meekness isn’t weakness, what is it? Think of an ox or a pack horse. An ox at the plow or a horse carrying a great burden is not weak but is actually extraordinarily strong. The key, though, is that the power of these animals is harnessed and directed. Perhaps meekness is strength that is submitted to an appropriate authority.
Think about the wings of an airplane: An airplanes wings are mighty in strength but are also flexible and light. But what is the difference between meekness and weakness?
weakness=lack of strength
meekness=not flaunting your strength, it is strength under control
The Greek word translated as “meek” is “praus” [prah-ooce]. It is also often translated as “humble”. Actually, meekness is compatible with great strength, with great authority and power. Meekness is a disposition….a disposition of our spirit in which we accept what God is doing in our lives as good, without disputing or resisting. Meekness doesn’t repay evil for evil, it rely’s on God for justice. The meek let God provide their hearts’ desires rather than trying to manipulate people and circumstances to get what they want.
Psalm 37:1-4 (TNIV)
1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; 2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. 3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
I would encourage you to read all of David’s Psalms 37. It’s all about strength in meekness.
I recognize is a very hard one for some of us to wrestle with. BUT…I say…”wrestle onward” and you will find yourself becoming stronger! On Fiday we will look a little closer……”for they will inherit the earth”.