Blessed are the meek...

July 2 Walk&Talk - reflection on meekness...

Matthew 5:5

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

When I think of meekness, images of Jesus come to mind - going before the Sanhedrin, Pilate and enemies who hung Him on a cross, "like a lamb to the slaughter," silent and without making a defense for himself... I also think of a lovely Amish mother from a book, whom I wish I could emulate; she elicited perfect obedience from her children with gentle and quiet "suggestions" such as "hadn't you better set the table." (I don't honestly know if SHE exists) Both of these people COULD wield a tremendous amount of power but instead, seem to utilize Supernatural self control, to refrain and act in meekness.

Meek and mild go together, and like the "poor in spirit" and "those who mourn," meekness seems to highlight humility and laying down defenses. Meekness seems to particularly come into play when an enemy presents itself - a spiritual enemy or a human fleshy one. Just when you've been wronged, attacked and unfairly accused, - if you can channel all you energy, wit and revenge-craving power into self control, holding your tongue and giving up even your rights as a human being... then, we call you MEEK.

And...if you are successful with slipping into the background, practicing meekness, you will inherit the earth. In Ps. 37:5-11, David writes "the land" rather than "the earth." To me, this reward makes more sense and carries more hopeful expectation. I liken "the Land" of a Christian's inheritance to the complete FREEDOM God wants for His kids, not overrun with enemies nor overwrought with fear, anxiety, rage, resentment, bitterness, self pity and the like, but truly FREE. (This is a whole 'nother meditation - and this one's too long already) David teaches on "Meekness" like this

Commit you way to the LORD

Trust in HIM and HE will do this

HE will make your righteousness shine like the dawn.

The justice of your cause like the noon day sun.

Be sill before the LORD and wait patiently for HIM

do not fret when men succeed in their ways.

When they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath.

Do not fret - it leads only to evil.

For evil men will be cut off,

But those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

A little while, and the wicked will be no more

Though you look for them, they will not be found.

But the meek will inherit the land

And enjoy great peace..."

Commit, trust, be still, wait, don't fret, refrain, turn, hope ENJOY GREAT PEACE. I guess I cannot say I have practiced this enough to be considered and authority, but thankfully, I know someone who has....

W&T Questions for further reflection:

1. Does "MEEK" sound like a strong or weak position to you? Explain..
2. Do you think this work "meekness" characterizes the way you usually act or think?
3. Can you think of a time in you life experience when you chose to exercise meekness? OR a
time in which you maybe should have...?
4. In the above example, did your words /actions OR lack of words and actions result in the
rewarding GREAT PEACE David wrote about?