C – BEATITUDES – 3
Matt.5:5 What deep spiritual joy the meek have. Meekness is not weakness. In some versions the word, gentle, is supplied. Meekness is a trait to seek. Zeph.2:3 Rewards are promised with meekness. Isa.11:4 Salvation is promised in Ps.76:9. We know that meekness is not the only thing that leads to salvation but this statement does add to its importance. Ps.37:11 says approximately the same as the Beatitude. The reward is peace.
Moses was definitely not a weak man and yet he was known as the meekest man on the face of the earth. Num.12:3 In his meekness Moses was strong and courageous. He led an immense group of people. Yet he was humble and self-sacrificing in the midst of all the problems he endured during his leadership. He was a man of prayer and stood for the word of the Lord and was willing to defend it at all costs. This certainly was not weak.
Jesus was a perfect example of meekness. Matt.11:29 Jesus’ life exuded with meekness. He was so gentle and compassionate. Jesus ministered to all groups of people even though of all people He could have been proud and aloof. He was the Son of God! Phil.2:6,7 However, when the time came to stand up to the Pharisees, He did not hold back His reprimands to them.
Early in the English language the words, gentle man, had the meaning of a man who was meek. Now the words have been put together as gentleman and have lost their original meaning. Meekness is not meanness but on the other hand, it does not surrender rights. Being meek is not putting yourself down as a rug to be trampled upon. However, a meek person realizes that God is the vindicator. Rom.12:19
Meekness comes from a heart too great to be moved by little insults or hurts. A person that is constantly ruffled by every insult and annoyance that comes his way is thrown off guard with his passion and lives by the control of everyone who crosses him. Such a heart cannot be meek and gentle. 1 Pet.2:19; 1 Cor.6:7 The person who is controlled by the Spirit will be meek and gentle. Their spirit will not be inflamed by provocation but they will be able to return a soft answer. They would rather forgive twenty injuries than be the revenger of one.
Paul the apostle was another example of a meek man. Tit.3:1,2 Paul realized the importance of following those that ruled over them. In so doing, they were to be gentle or meek and peaceable. Paul mentions the meekness of Christ and then states that he, also, is a meek man. 2 Cor.10:1 In describing a Christian woman, Paul uses the term, “a meek and quiet spirit.” Does this describe our spirit? We need introspection with this question. This is what we are to be. Eph.4:2
The second half of this Beatitude has caused some questions. For they shall inherit the earth. Are we to become landowners if we are meek? The Jews had this expression that came from the promise that they would inherit the Promised Land. Gen.13:15 Many promises ended with the blessing that they would inherit the land. After they did enter the Promised Land, “inherit the land” began to mean the blessings they would receive under certain conditions. 1 Cor.3:21-23 For a long time the Israelites looked forward to inheriting the land promised to Abraham. Gen.15:7 This desire continued as they wandered through the wilderness. Ex.32:13 Their possession of the land included some instruction. Deut.16:20
Meekness or gentleness is a characteristic Christians should have. Eph.4:2 This is a characteristic we must have toward others. Col.3:12 Gentleness must be used as we work with other people. Humility goes along with it. 1 Pet.3:15 Gentleness is listed as part of the fruit of the Spirit. Gal.5:23 Even wisdom is shown in gentleness. Jam.3:13
This quote from Henry Morris explains meekness: “A meek spirit enables a Christian to maintain composure in the face of opposition, to accept adversity without complaint, promotion without arrogance, demotion without resentment. It produces a peace which no trouble can disturb and which no prosperity can puff up.”
So a deep spiritual joy is experienced as we develop a meek and gentle spirit and we will receive spiritual blessings as our promised land and eventually heaven. Rev.21:7
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