The BeatitudesSample

The Value of Strength

Written By: Danny Saavedra

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”—Matthew 5:5 (NIV)

As I examine the entire Marvel Studios collection, I’ve most enjoyed the Captain America films. There is just so much heart and sincerity in the character, and a real moral center! For me, one of the most poignant scenes in the entire trilogy took place in the first film when Steve Rogers asks the doctor why he was chosen for the Super-Soldier Program. And Dr. Erskine, played by the fantastic Stanley Tucci, answers: “Because the strong man who has known power all his life may lose respect for that power, but a weak man knows the value of strength and knows compassion.”

As I considered today’s verse, this scene immediately came to mind! You see, it all goes back to the word meek. In the Greek, this word is praeis, which means mild or gentle. It’s the balance between gentleness and strength.

While some attach a negative connotation to the term meek, almost thinking of it as weakness, I can assure you that biblical meekness is the opposite of weakness. Rather, meekness refers to exercising God's strength under His control. It’s understanding and valuing power because you know that true power only comes from God. And because you have this understanding, you cling to compassion rather than anger. It’s acting—and reacting—as Christ did, without undue harshness, responding instead with kindness, sincerity, and love.

Meekness also speaks of endurance—of being hurt but having the restraint to not seek vengeance. Why? Because you know that God will vindicate you in the end. It’s constantly reminding yourself of Romans 12:19 (NIV) which says, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord." Theologian Joseph Barnes emphasized that “Meekness . . . is neither meanness nor a surrender of our rights, nor cowardice; but it is the opposite of sudden anger, of malice, of long-harbored vengeance.”

And above all, practicing meekness produces peace. It’s proof of the soul’s reliance on God, of the mark the Spirit has made on our heart! It’s what happens when we come to Jesus and take His yoke upon us, because He is “meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29 KJV). It comes from a heart that understands who God is and who you are in Him, so much so that you aren’t moved to anger or shaken by insults and persecution. It looks upon others—even those who seek to harm you—with compassion. That’s why the meek inherit the earth—the new earth, the inheritance of God’s children!

DIG: Read John 18:23, Acts 16:37, Matthew 11:29, and Romans 12:19.

DISCOVER: Can you think of a time when you’ve exercised meekness or saw it in the actions of someone else? What was the result of it?

DISPLAY: This week, as you interact with others, intentionally exercise meekness, reliance on the Lord, and show the compassion of Christ.