Blessed are The Meek

Poor in spirit: my understanding of who I am in relation to God.

Meek: my understanding of who I am in relation to others, because of who I

am in relation to God.

“But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in

abundant peace.”Psalm 37:11

Three statements about meek people you will never hear!

“Can you refer me to an attorney? I’m looking for one

who is especially meek.”

“We have to hire Mr. Jones. He’s the meekest applicant

we’ve had.”

I am the meekest candidate on the ballot, so cast

your vote for me! I’m Candidate X and

I’ve approved this message.

The attribute of meekness was no more popular in Jesus

day than it is in ours, but . . .

. . . it is an attribute God wantsin all “great” leaders.Let’s look at three.

MosesNumbers 12:3

From a general of warriors,to a shepherd of sheep,to a leader of grumblers

Three examples from the life of “a man after God’s own heart.”

David spares Saul’s life in the cave

David spares Saul’s life in the cave

I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take

it. 12May the LORD judgebetween me and you,

may the LORD avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be

against you. 1 Sam. 24:11-12

David’s second opportunity to kill Saul

Saul and his men are unconscious

9But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on

the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless? 10As surely as the

LORD lives,” he said, “the LORD himself will strike him, or his time will come

and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. 11But the LORD forbid that I

should lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed. 1 Sam. 26:9-11

The meek leader does not seek to advance his own interests, but

trusts God to do so in His own way, in His own time.

Absalom’s Rebellion

Absalom’s Rebellion

Shemei curses and throws rocks at David as David flees from his son,

Absalom. Abishai says, “9why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over

and take off his head.”

11And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son seeks

my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone,

and let him curse, for the LORDhas told him to. 2 Sam. 16:5-11

If he is cursing because the LORDHas said to him, ‘Curse David,’

who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”

What great honors did such meekness earn David?

David’s meekness was the natural result of his “poverty of spirit”

and his mourning for sin.

The third biblical exampleof meekness:

28“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and

I will give you rest.

29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle (meek)

and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matt. 11:28-30

23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when

he suffered, he made no threats Instead, he entrusted himself

to Him who judges justly.1 Pet. 2:23

How will I look different when Christ’s meekness becomes

a part of my nature?

1. I will be quicker to listen to, and accept opposing ideas

without any anger.James 1:19

2. I will not need to win every argument, even

when I’m right!

3. I will be far less defensive.

4. I will be much more approachable.

5. When I do speak, folks will be much more eager to listen.

How?

It begins with our becoming poor of spirit and mournful over sin.

We must recognize it’s a virtue, and we must pursue it, through

prayer, study, and doing.