A Picture of Meekness

A Picture of Meekness

To be meek is not something you hear taught in our “American” culture these days. In fact, unless you are an avid Bible studier, you probably don’t even know what the word means. Those of us who are serious about following the will of the Lord need to know what this word means and how to apply it to our every day lives.

Webster’s dictionary definition: meek – humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others.

Matthew 5:5 (KJV) Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

 

(NLT) God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them.

(NIrV) Blessed are those who are free of pride. They will be given the earth.

Matthew 5:38 (NIV) 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ [fn7] 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

 

To be humble, to turn the other cheek, to give to everyone who asks even more than they ask for, to be lowly, to be free of pride…sure you have heard these ideas taught, sure you know that Jesus said to do this, but Really! In today’s society, do you? Are you? I don’t know anyone who would not stand their ground if provoked unjustly. Let’s look at an Old Testament picture of meekness.

 

Abraham’s promised son Isaac showed meekness in several situations.

Genesis 21:9 – Isaac’s half brother Ishmael teases Isaac. Does Isaac tease back or stand up for himself? We would assume no, since it is not mentioned.

 

Genensis 22 – At 30 years of age, Isaac is tied to an altar to be sacrificed to God by his father Abraham. Does Abraham fight his father? No. He humbly submits. Don’t know that I would have.

 

Genesis 24 – Isaac’s father sends his servant to find for Isaac a bride. Does Isaac question his father about the bride he has never met? No.

Genesis 26: 1-11 – Following in his father’s footsteps, Isaac lies to Abimelech about his wife, saying that she is his sister. When Abilmelech discovers the truth and confronts Isaac, does Isaac continue to lie or defend himself? No. He immediately confesses.

Genesis 26: 18-30 – When Abimelech’s servants stop up the wells that Isaac’s father dug and claim that they belong to Abimelech, does Isaac defend these wells that are rightfully his? Does he stand his ground? No. He simply moves on until he finds a well that no one argues for.

 

This picture of meekness shown by Isaac is not something that we “Americans” would value as a strong quality that we would want our children to possess. However, there is a reward for this type of behavior….

Genesis 26:12-14 – Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him. 13 The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy. 14 He had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him.

This is not to say that strife did not follow, bit Isaac’s meek personality continued in the strife and he found water, Genesis 26:32.

So I challenge all of you to be a picture of meekness, to teach it and be an example of it to your children. Sure this goes completely against our cultural values and worldly ways…sure it is completely contrary to the way your flesh wants to react in unjust situations, but like Isaac, if you are meek in your trials, you will be blessed with riches that will not burn up in the fire and you too will find refreshing, empowering, living water.

 

Share with me ways that you have been meek and how you have experienced God’s blessing. Share the strife, share the conflict within, share the outcome, and share the reward. With this we will all be encouraged to continue on our walk with the Lord.

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