blessed are the meek
We have been discussing, somewhat sporadically, the Beatitudes. Specifically, we have been lookig at those words from Jesus as a blueprint for how to become Christ-like "salt and light Christians". Let's continue with the next trait.
Blessed are the meek. Here is a real misunderstood word in today's world. Say the word "meek" and other words come immediately to mind; words like "cowardly" or "timid" or "wishy-washy" or "weak" or "pacifist". This is an excellent example of how the Beatitudes completely turn around and contradict worldly values. The dictionary in my Bible defines "meek" as humbly and gently doing God's will. There is a lesson there for Christians. When Jesus says we need to be meek, He means that we should be gentle and humble in our words and actions, not brash or self-promoting. Jesus wants us to be strong and outspoken about our faith (read about Peter in Acts 4) but He also wants us to adopt a servant's attitude (read John 13:1-20) so that we will be willing to serve God in any way that brings Him glory. He wants us to see ourselves as God sees us--sinful and in need of salvation. How could we possibly be prideful or boastful if we recognize our own sinfulness. Jesus wants us to apply His Holy Word to our lives because we know we will die without it. He certainly doesn't want us to beat others over the head with the Bible in a haughty, self-righteous manner. He does, however, want us to humbly share His Good News with others. Above all else, Jesus wants us to love and worship God so completely that we will humbly follow His will for our lives, wherever that may lead.
Do you want to read about meekness personified? Read the Gospel accounts of Jesus' life on earth. Jesus was born in a barn among the animals, He walked the earth as the poorest of the poor, He rode a donkey into Jeruselum, He washed the feet of His disciples, and He humbled Himself to die for us on a cross. Read Philippians 2:1-11 to see what Paul had to say about the meekness and the humility of Christ. Above all, let us all pray to God that He would change our hearts so that we could emulate the meekness of Jesus ourselves.
Blessed are the meek. Here is a real misunderstood word in today's world. Say the word "meek" and other words come immediately to mind; words like "cowardly" or "timid" or "wishy-washy" or "weak" or "pacifist". This is an excellent example of how the Beatitudes completely turn around and contradict worldly values. The dictionary in my Bible defines "meek" as humbly and gently doing God's will. There is a lesson there for Christians. When Jesus says we need to be meek, He means that we should be gentle and humble in our words and actions, not brash or self-promoting. Jesus wants us to be strong and outspoken about our faith (read about Peter in Acts 4) but He also wants us to adopt a servant's attitude (read John 13:1-20) so that we will be willing to serve God in any way that brings Him glory. He wants us to see ourselves as God sees us--sinful and in need of salvation. How could we possibly be prideful or boastful if we recognize our own sinfulness. Jesus wants us to apply His Holy Word to our lives because we know we will die without it. He certainly doesn't want us to beat others over the head with the Bible in a haughty, self-righteous manner. He does, however, want us to humbly share His Good News with others. Above all else, Jesus wants us to love and worship God so completely that we will humbly follow His will for our lives, wherever that may lead.
Do you want to read about meekness personified? Read the Gospel accounts of Jesus' life on earth. Jesus was born in a barn among the animals, He walked the earth as the poorest of the poor, He rode a donkey into Jeruselum, He washed the feet of His disciples, and He humbled Himself to die for us on a cross. Read Philippians 2:1-11 to see what Paul had to say about the meekness and the humility of Christ. Above all, let us all pray to God that He would change our hearts so that we could emulate the meekness of Jesus ourselves.
posted by hondo at 9:09 PM
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