Blessed are the meek

By Claire Martin

“. . . . for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew ch 5v5

When I hear the word ‘meek’, I think of the Christmas carol: ‘gentle Jesus, meek and mild’. Jesus was sent as a humble baby, born in a stable.

To be meek is to display humility, gentleness and patience. Someone who is meek is grieved by sin and longs for righteousness. They show a considerate and gentle attitude towards others, founded on a knowledge of their own unworthy position as a sinner saved by grace. Dr. Lloyd-Jones puts it like this – that meekness is a ‘true view of oneself, expressing itself in attitude and conduct with respect to others . . .The man who is truly meek is the one who is truly amazed that God and man can think of him as well as they do, and treat him as well as they do.’

Perhaps this makes us question the second part of Matthew ch 5v5 – ‘for they shall inherit the earth’. Maybe we expect meek, humble people to get nowhere because they may be ignored or unnoticed due to their attitude. However, as Christians, we know that eternal life and inheritance is ours through Christ, who embodied meekness in every sense. This gives those who are meek a unique and quiet confidence that, in every hurdle and trial, the people of God have already won the victory and have an eternal hope in him. The way that God gives us to follow is so different from the way of the world, and when those around us seem to boast in worldly possessions, the Christian can walk in the glorious hope of their inheritance.

How does this relate to you as a leader at camp, or serving in our communities at Hello Life? Being meek shows a willingness to serve and submit to those in charge. Maybe it means doing jobs that feel ‘beneath’ you, or maybe you’re not totally in agreement with something. Remember that those who are meek act differently from those in the world, with a servant heart and a willingness to do whatever needs to be done in order for the gospel to be shared effectively. Remember that those who are meek, who are gentle and humble, remain confident in hope. Remember that the battle is already won, and with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, you can confidently share the glorious hope that indwells you.

Read Psalm 37:1-11

1. Although the word “meek” isn’t mentioned until v11, the whole passage describes a person who has a “true view of themselves”. Bearing this in mind use this passage to make a list of the characteristics of a meek person.
2. What characteristics mentioned in this passage are contrary to meekness? And what are their results?

Read Colossians 3:12-13

1. What are the practical outworkings of meekness described in v13? Can you imagine situations during summer ministry where you might need to implement this practical meekness?
2. V12 begins “therefore”: look back at v8-11 and search for the reasons why we are to “put on” the characteristics of v12?