One
problem with the English word meek is that it rhymes with weak, and people have
linked the two words together for years. A popular dictionary offers a
secondary definition of meek as “too submissive; easily imposed on; spineless;
spiritless.” This causes some people to question why Jesus would say, “Blessed
are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5).
Greek
scholar W. E. Vine says that meekness in the Bible is an attitude toward God
“in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without
disputing or resisting.” We see this in Jesus who found His delight in doing
the will of His Father.
Vine
goes on to say that “the meekness manifested by the Lord and commended to the
believer is the fruit of power. . . . The Lord was ‘meek’ because He had the
infinite resources of God at His command.” He could have called angels from
heaven to prevent His crucifixion.
Jesus
told His weary, burdened followers, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
for I am [meek] and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”
(Matt. 11:29). He was the perfect model of meekness.
When we are tired and troubled, Jesus invites us to discover the peace of meekly trusting Him.
