“Is Meekness Weakness?” Transcript

“Blessed are the Meek for they shall inherit the earth” is a misunderstood statement of Jesus. Why?

Well, what does Meekness mean? How will they inherit the earth? Is it something that would help me or you?

There are answers. Let me share them with you.

Intro

Jesus said in Matthew 5:5  “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

This statement is misunderstood because meekness is seen as weakness. And how can a weak person be blessed or find happiness? And further, how can a weak person inherit the earth?

Let’s begin by remembering that Jesus made this statement in a time where the Jews were dominated, pushed down, and humiliated by the Romans. The Roman military and government ruled by shear brute force. Any dissention was met with swift punishment, even crucifixion. The Jews saw the whole known world as being controlled by a punishing power. The Romans were dominant. They dictated, managed, and monopolized all the world.

In this environment, Jesus says that a meek person will be happy and will inherit the earth. It sounds backward, upside-down, even counter-cultural. But their understanding, and ours, may be mistaken because we don’t understand the word he used. What is HIS meekness?

Meekness is not weakness or being condescending. Meekness is the opposite of pride, or seeing ourselves as having superior or a dominating power.

Meekness includes gentleness., Paul wrote, “Colossians 3:12  Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,”

It is a controlling of self to the point that we do not demand our rights or run over the rights of others. Instead, meekness accepts the wrongs and suffers being defrauded (1 Cor 6.7). They can because the meek believe that God will vindicate. Paul told the Romans in 12:18-19,  “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.  (19)  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Meekness is being gentile and humble in every circumstance by choice. Paul wrote “(Titus 3:1-2)  “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,  (2)  to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”

Meekness is being poised with power and rights. Meekness is strength that is well controlled.

A Meek person is truly EXTREMELY strong. Remember when Jesus was on the cross? Was he on the cross because the Romans and Jews were so powerful? Or was it because he was being meek? Think of what he told Peter earlier in the garden. Matthew 26:53  “Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?” A legion was 6,000. 12 legions = 72,000 angels. In 2 Kings 19:35, 1 angel killed 185,000 Assyrians in 1 night. How much power did Jesus have? What could he have done to the entire human race?  But he controlled it and suffered for mankind. That is meekness. Strength well-controlled.

So how will a well-controlled powerful person, that is a meek person, inherit the earth?

Let’s think again. How much peace does an impatient, high-maintenance person have? He is frequently in arguments. No one likes him or wants to be near him. But a well-controlled, powerful person is respected. Few wish to argue with him. He has abundant friends and colleagues.

The meek overcome. They possess the themselves. They welcome being in God’s kingdom. They enjoy God’s blessings. They are content. They are happy.

Isn’t this something you want? Don’t you want this degree of self-control? Do you want to overcome? To possess yourself? Don’t you want God’s blessings?

Timeless Talks is anxious to help you become Meek, starting right now. There are no obligations to calling the number here. So, leave a voice message, or you can send a text to the same number. If you prefer, send us an email through either the contact page or the prayer request page.

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Thanks for watching.

Until we can visit again, goodbye for now.