Good morning. We may recall Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount, that section we think of as the Beatitudes, when the Lord proclaims: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
I think that it is also good to remember that Jesus was not the first to speak those words. We first read them as God inspired King David in Psalm 37:11 But the meek will inherit the earth and will be delighted to live in peace and prosperity.
I don’t know about you, but I would love to be considered among the “meek” as they are referred to in these verses of scripture. But that raises another question: “Who are the meek?”
Are the meek those persons whose personalities are so mild that they are considered to be timid? Are the meek the last ones to raise their hands, the last to volunteer, the last to step up and venture out? No, far from it.
The Greek word translated as meek is the word πραεῖς – praeis. In the New Testament it is translated in different places as humble, gentle, considerate, and unassuming, as well as meek. In the Old Testament the word we read in Psalm 37:11 as “meek” is more frequently translated “humble.”
What are we to make of this word “meek” as it is used by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount and by King David in Psalm 37?
I believe that assuming the word indicates a timid nature is absolutely wrong. Rather, the point of this word is to indicate persons who are willing to subject their will to the will of God. The meek are those who are willing to set themselves aside to be of use to God as He carries out His plan for redemption, no matter how that usefulness would be described. The meek are not timid. Rather, the meek are humble enough to hear the voice of the King and obey it.
The meek are those who are willing to be used by God but are genuinely surprised that He would choose to use them. The meek are those who joyfully accept and receive the salvation of the Lord but are genuinely surprised that God’s love graciously includes them. The meek are those who will arrive in heaven, will be enfolded into the arms of their Father God, will be welcomed to the table of the Lord of Lords, and will shake their heads in wonder.
As for the promise of inheritance, I think we should leave that to God. The meek would never ask about their inheritance, they would simply be amazed to be found worthy.
God has a great heart for the meek. May our prayer today be that He would show us ever greater ways that we might grow in maturity, becoming worthy of such a lofty description as being among the “meek”.
Vern