The Meek Series

Matthew 5:1-5

The Meek

July 31, 2022

If people were asked --- ‘what do you want most out of life?’ Many would include happiness in their top answers. It might be the most dominant response. After all, who doesn’t want to be happy.

In His most famous message, and maybe the most famous sermon ever, the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addressed this issue. Instead of talking about happiness, He spoke about being blessed. Remember, happiness is about chance and external circumstances; blessing is internal and comes from God.

Of course, Jesus will be Jesus. He doesn’t make it really easy to be blessed. Well, actually, it’s not as difficult as we think it is, or we make it out to be, but it takes a change in who we are . . . and that’s where the difficult part comes in.

For example, if I wanted to lose weight and firm up my belly, I would have to make some decisions. I can continue to eat cookies and junk for breakfast and ice cream with more cookies for dessert . . . or I can do what’s more difficult, exercise more, start ab workouts and change my diet.

You see, the choice is mine. Usually, what’s easier isn’t the best. It’s the same with the sermon on the mount. Specifically in the beginning part of the message we call the Beatitudes. Today we’re looking at the 3rd beatitude. Let’s see what Jesus has for us - - -

1 Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 And Jesus taught them, saying:

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 BLESSED ARE THE MEEK, FOR THEY SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH.

So, today, we’re looking at this last verse . . . blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are the meek.

This is the perfect Beatitude for the group called the "Dependent Order Of Really Meek And Timid Souls." They prefer that name as opposed to the acrostic of its first letters, which spells

D-O-O-R-M-A-T-S. The Doormats have an official insignia - a yellow caution light. Their official motto is, "The meek shall inherit the earth, if that's OK with everybody!"

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." Really, Jesus? Maybe 6 feet of earth? Which of the world's great corporations became great by being meek? Which sports team became champion by being meek? Not many political leaders came to power by being meek!

The meek in our world seem to be victims, not victors. "Miserable are the meek, because they get trampled upon." We live in a world of assertiveness training. The world values getting what you want and then going after more. The emphasis is on you, not them.

This is where the Beatitudes are so difficult for us. They’re seemingly backwards and counter - intuitive ways to live our lives. They’re a compilation of truths that sometimes sound challenging or undesirable.

Most people would say the beatitudes are no value to everyday ordinary people. So, what does Jesus mean by saying the meek are blessed? Usually we equate Meekness = weakness. That’s how the world tends to view that word. But that’s not meek means. There’s a lot behind the word meek.

In English, MEEK is an adjective and means to show patience, humility and gentleness or to be easily imposed and submissive. This does not sound like a characteristic that we should aspire to have.

The Greek word for meek means - - -

to display the right blend of force and reserve. To show strength in gentleness. It avoids unnecessary harshness, yet without compromising or being too slow to use necessary force.

Biblical meekness is not weakness but rather refers to exercising God's strength under His control – i.e. demonstrating power without undue harshness.

[The English term "meek" often lacks this blend of – gentleness and strength.]

So, that’s where Jesus is going with this word. Meekness is the idea of strength under control. It’s having an inner strength that has an ability that when angry, you don’t explode, but are able to show anger in gentleness. That’s not always easy, is it? We often let it fly,

That’s how I grew up. It flew! If you were angry about something, you let it out. But as I’ve grown, I’ve learned that’s not the best way to display anger. I can tell you I’m angry, but I don’t have to make a fool of myself.

Think about how different our disagreements would be if we could speak with strength and power, honoring God in the process. And doing it in a way in which we still have even more strength, if needed. Yet, if you need to be a little firmer, you’re able to do it in a way which still honors and glorifies God.