“The meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Psalm 37:11
Dear Ones:
Scripture tells us that Moses was “…very meek, above all men which were upon the face of the earth.” (Numbers 12:3) Scripture also tells us also that Jesus, the very Son of God, was “…meek and lowly of heart.” (Matt. 11:29) The fact that both of these great “men” were meek reveals to us that God is always looking at the heart, the deep inner attitude of heart and mind, whereby, and in whom, He WILL bless and reveal Himself. What then is meekness, and why is it so valued by God? In our consideration of the subject, we need to always look first at the Lord Jesus, for that which we see of meekness is most clearly demonstrated and revealed to us in Him.
In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he writes of the Lord Jesus with regard to His attitude of mind: “Although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” (2:5) The fact that Jesus was the Son of God, eternal and Almighty, did not hinder Him, or keep him in any way, from laying aside the “glory that He had with the father before the world began,” to become a faithful, and lowly servant of God. The greatness of His person did not stop Him from stooping to the lowliest of men, that He might save them. This is meekness, a right attitude concerning the truth of what one is in the sight of God, whether great or small in the eyes of men, but free and committed to be the servant of God. The Savior became a servant, that the glory of God should be revealed in the hearts of men. This is what we are called to be, to think, and to live.
Why then is this attitude one which God will honor, and bless? It has to do with everything in the mind and heart taking its rightful place. For Moses, one so gifted, strong, and “able” with regard to speaking and leading, it would become necessary for him to see that all that he had and was, was a gift of God. He would also see, as he worshiped God, God revealing Himself to his heart, that he was nothing in comparison. The life of faith, a life of receiving all from God, became essential if he was to BE what God called him to Be, and to accomplish the mission that God had called him to realize. To the meek man, God can give all that he needs, because that man will give God all the glory, and praise. God does not give His glory to anyone for them to boast, gloat, or claim for himself. However, He does give all to the one who is forever thankful, one who lives “by the faith of the Son of God,” receiving constantly from God all that He desires to give. This is meekness.
Dear Father, Thou who dost look into the heart and mind of us all, put within us this “mind of Christ,” that meekness and lowliness which is of such great worth to Thee. Make us, regardless of gifts, capacities, possessions or position, to be those who see ourselves for what we are in comparison to Thee. And grant us grace to ever humble ourselves under Your mighty hand, receiving all from Thee, and believing Thee for the full outworking of Your will for our lives, for Your glory. We thank Thee in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad