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I remember seeing a T-shirt with huge letters on the front of it that read, "The meek shall inherit the earth," and on the back it said, "But they will NEVER get the ball!" While I was quite impressed that one of the largest sportswear brands in the world was quoting Jesus's Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5:5, I was once again reminded of just how foreign people's understanding of what meekness really is.
Meekness, from the world's perspective, is almost always associated with weakness! Yet, the word literally means "power under control." It's the same idea one would use to explain how a small bit on a bridle is used to harness 1,000 pounds of pure muscle in a racehorse.
In the Old Testament, Moses was described as "very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3).
If you remember how he stood up to Pharaoh and was used by God to shepherd, lead and act as judge for more than two million complaining people for 40 years, I don't think you could ever associate the slightest bit of weakness with him.
Or better consider Jesus, who encourages "…learn from Me. For I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29). If you think of meekness being modeled in the ministry of Jesus you can understand how He "…being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death -- even death on a cross!" (Philippians 2:6-8)
Think how Jesus demonstrated "power under control" when He was unjustly tried and cruelly crucified on a Roman cross. He could have at any moment called down a legion of angels to free Him from the pain and suffering He endured. Yet, He not only said of the soldiers who were carrying out the crucifixion "Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing" (Luke 23:34), but He continued to endure it because of you and me.
Jesus literally, willingly substituted Himself, by taking the place we deserved to be because of our sin. "He Himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed" (I Peter 2:24).
Jesus did all of this, because He loves you and me! Jesus had the right, being "in the very nature of God," to do whatever He wanted, but for our sake, He submitted to "death on a cross." That is ultimate meekness!
Now, what should be our response?
First, we need to accept the gift of salvation that is offered through Jesus' death on the cross. "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
Second, we are to strive to live like Jesus. That means choosing not to assert yourself over others to further your agenda. You may have the right or the power to do something, but you should refrain for the benefit of someone else. The Apostle Paul wrote "to live a life worthy of the calling (we) have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:1-2).
Finally, believers are called to share the Gospel message in gentleness and meekness. "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with meekness and respect" (I Peter 3:15)
So, the next time you think you need to assert power and prestige to get what you want, remember you don't need to "get the ball" because you are promised to get a whole lot more! "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5)
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Finding Faith is written by area pastors. This week's column comes from Rev. Tim Boger, senior pastor of Big Woods Bible Church in Lock Haven.