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"Blessed Are the Meek"
(Matthew 5:5)
In our church, we are currently studying the Beatitudes of Jesus in Matthew 5:1-12. The title of the series of messages is "Kingdom Contrasts." In Jesus' powerful Sermon on the Mount, He teaches us how we as the children of God are to live while on this journey of life. You and I can live according to the standards and expectations of the world or what is clearly the diametrically opposed standard and pathway of Jesus. You and I cannot travel both roads simultaneously. We will either pursue the objectives and plans the world offers, or we will wisely choose to live our lives surrendered to Jesus and His teachings.
When we are poor in spirit, willing to mourn, and meek, we can accomplish great feats. When Josh Ripley was a senior at Andover High School in Minnesota and was running in a track meet, he heard a fellow competitor crying out in pain. The runner was freshman Mark Paulauskas; he had been stepped on by another runner and was bleeding badly and in great pain. Josh said he had to stop and help the injured runner knowing that it meant he would not win the race. So he went to Mark, picked him up, and ran half a mile carrying him until he found Mark's parents and coach. Then Josh prayed with Mark and got back in the race. The Andover School Board honored Josh for what he did. His mom was interviewed, and with much pride and joy, she said she was not surprised by what her son did because that is just who he is. Josh exemplified what it means to be meek, to not have weakness but to have strength under control, to put aside yourself, reach out, and help someone in need.
To be meek is to be selfless. Proud people who look out for themselves first or only are not going to be meek in spirit. Keep in mind, to be meek does not mean you are weak. I read about a 21-year-old firefighter who rescued his sister from a shark attack. In June 2023, Addison Bethea was scalloping in Florida with her brother Rhett when she was attacked and taken under by a 9-ft. shark. The shark took most of her right leg, but Rhett jumped in the water and punched the shark in the nose, and the shark let her go. A boater came by to help, and when they were loading Addison in the boat, the shark kept on attacking them! I admire people like this young man who risked his life to save his sister. His being a firefighter before this took place told me much about him. Addison survived but lost her leg from above the knee down and now walks with a prosthetic. ( Source.)
Meekness is strength harnessed and under control. Jesus calls us to be meek, to consider others before we take care of ourselves. A person meek in spirit is strong, disciplined, and (as we will notice in the remaining devotions this week) blessed by God. |
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