Blessed are the Meek

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). NKJV

There is no better example of meekness than our Savior. When facing the cruel world leaders He restrain the use of His power in order fulfill His ministry to save His elect. 

Early in the morning the chief priests with the elders and scribes and the whole Council, immediately held a consultation; and binding Jesus, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate. Pilate questioned Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?" And He answered him, "It is as you say." The chief priests began to accuse Him harshly. Then Pilate questioned Him again, saying, "Do You not answer? See how many charges they bring against You!" But Jesus made no further answer; so Pilate was amazed. (Mark 15:1-5) NKJV

Why was Pilate amazed? Wasn't it because the response he received was much different than expected? Pilate expected excuses and pleading. Of course, he received neither excuses nor pleading.

Jesus could have avoided all of this pain, suffering, and humiliation and simply destroyed the entire world. He has the power to do so should He will it. However, Jesus responded in meekness.

What is meekness? Some have described it as power under control. John Gill, an English Baptist pastor, biblical scholar, and theologian describes as follows:

[As those] who are not easily provoked to anger; who patiently bear, and put up with injuries and affronts; carry themselves courteously, and affably to all; have the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; do not envy the gifts and graces of other men; are willing to be instructed and admonished, by the meanest of the saints; quietly submit to the will of God, in adverse dispensations of providence; and ascribe all they have, and are, to the grace of God.

The idea of meekness goes against the world's view of rights and privilege. Societal norms have fostered an increasing number of hostile characters. You don't need to look hard to find individuals violently asserting their rights. As believers, we should seek to model Jesus before the world.

Don't misunderstand, meekness is not cowardliness. Just the opposite is true. Jesus knew He was headed for the cross. To exercise His power to avoid the cross would have been cowardly—God forbid such a thought!

So, let us walk in meekness. Do not be quick to respond to others harshly. Give deference to others and rest upon the grace of God. The Scriptures tell us that the meek will inherit the earth. Not this earth at least not in it's present condition; but the new earth or ultimately heaven where our Lord is and in Him of course . 

Please understand, this is not an admonition to work your way to heaven through asceticism. Instead, this is an admonishment to live out your salvation as one who has been blessed with salvation. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone, not of works lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). 

Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit. The word translated meek in the New King James Version is translated gentle in other versions. It is the same root we find in Galatians. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23) [empasis added]

Pray fervently that the Spirit of God fill your heart so that you might walk as our Lord did. The lost will be amazed at your reaction to their insults. Perhaps this will open their hearts to the Gospel. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).