August 11, 2021
Dear Praying Friends,
Rachel and I appreciate your willingness to receive this reminder to pray each Wednesday for our prodigals and for revival. Prayer is a form of trust. Interestingly, John Piper in talking about the topic of meekness says, “Meekness begins when we put our trust in God.” The meek do not trust in themselves but in their great God.
In the third beatitude, Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). These words echo the Psalmist, which says, “The meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity” (Psalm 37:11).
If you look up the word meekness in a current dictionary, you will get the wrong impression of what the Bible is saying.
On the website, powerthesauras.org, meekness is defined as being “humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness, or even cowed submissiveness.” It goes on to say, “evidencing little spirit or courage; overly submissive or compliant.”
This is partially accurate, but it gives the impression of deficiency and weakness. This was also the common Greek mindset in the first century.
While it is true that in ourselves we are these things, but meekness is a quality produced by the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:22-23). What God develops within us is not deficiency but adequacy, not weakness but strength.
It is our deficiency and weakness that drives us to Christ who is our strength. (Philippians 4:13). Chuck Swindoll defines meekness as “strength under control.”
The Greek word translated “meek” is praus and refers to mildness, gentleness of spirit, or humility.
What we often fail to understand is that a gentle humble spirit has an exponentially larger impact than what a pushy forceful aggressive one does.
Loren Cunningham said, “Meekness is the character trait of a strong person who is continually surrendering his or her rights to God. Jesus was the perfect example of meekness, for as He said, He did nothing except what the Father told Him to do. Jesus was meek when He took a whip and drove the money-changers from the temple, just as He was meek when He stood before Pilate and refused to utter a word to save Himself.”
This is the awesome invitation of our Savior to every individual. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle [meek] and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
As we yoke with Jesus, we find rest. As we rest in Him, we learn His heart. As we learn His heart, we are transformed into His image. As we are transformed, others are drawn to Christ.
The first century proved this. It seemed impossible that a small band of Christians, pitted against the strong forces of the entire Roman Empire could flourish. It was a giant system fueled by greed, with thousands of soldiers, cruel dictators, and enslavement tactics. Yet it was in this hostile environment that the power of Christ changed many lives to surrender to the true King!
Where is the Roman Empire today? It rose and it fell, but Christ lives on, both in heaven and in the lives of His people.
Jesus said, “The meek shall inherit the earth.” Inheritance is not something you work for but receive because of the death of another. Our inheritance is based solely upon the death of Christ. How blessed is that!
What is the inheritance Jesus promises? The earth.
First the kingdom of God is not so much about land mass as it is about gaining spiritual ground. Our inheritance is secure in Christ.
It is present. It is spiritual. And it is glorious. This means that every spiritual blessing can be presently enjoyed by the person resting in Christ.
Secondly, this idea points us forward to a glorious day when Christ shall reign in peace and righteousness here on this earth. Presently, the world is under the curse of sin. It is in turmoil and disarray. How glorious to know beyond all doubt that we will with Him inherit the earth!
Love in Christ,
Bryan and Rachel