Abiding at the Feet of Jesus | A Look at the BeatitudesSample

When Jesus showed up on the scene, most in Israel were waiting on the Messiah. The Jews of Jesus’ day were hoping for a warrior who would throw off Roman rule and take control, reestablishing David’s kingdom. After years of oppression, they were ready to be the top dogs in the empire. Instead they discovered a man who had the ability to control wind and waves, who could heal the blind and restore life to the dead, but who allowed Himself to be betrayed by one close to Him and ultimately be put to death in the most horrific manner known to mankind. 

The world would have us believe that anyone who would allow others to control their lives are weak, and therefore to be despised. But Christ’s example shows us the perfect picture of meekness. True meekness is anything but weakness. 

The essence of a biblically meek individual is someone who understands the God-given power that ptochos and penthos produce and who then submits to the authority of the Master. This produces gentleness and peace, which bring life to those around the individual.

The Greek word for “meek” is Praÿs  and was used to describe a soothing medicine and a gentle breeze. In other words, blessed are those who are “a soothing medicine and a gentle breeze.” I love that, especially when I am hurting and need someone to pick me up and encourage me. Those are the kind of people I want to run to when I don’t have all the answers.

Praÿs was also used in reference to taming wild animals. Picture a wild horse that has been captured for the first time. It has spent its entire life totally free to do whatever it wanted to do, at any time. At first, it is uncontrollable and frightened of its captors. Its power and energy are endless, but it has no direction. However, things change dramatically when the trainer is given the reins. Through a series of sometimes-painful lessons, the horse is “gentled” and is eventually able to be put to good work. This is exactly the meaning of praÿs. Something once wild has been tamed. 

I like to think of it as power under control. It has direction and can serve a good purpose. It has become teachable and usable under the control of the Master. Please note that a horse is not a weak animal. It does not lack energy or power, but rather, all of its strength and power is now under the control of its master. Now the horse has a sense of purpose and direction.

Brokenness that creates gentleness does not produce spinelessness. When we become biblically meek, we do not turn into cowardly, wimpy people. In fact, it is just the opposite. A meek person is no longer flesh-driven, but spirit-directed. We have the strength to overcome hardships, to love difficult people, and to tirelessly follow our Father’s instructions. We stop depending on our own abilities and tap in to the never-ceasing ocean of God’s resources.

Meekness is submitting your strengths to Someone who can put them to greater use. It’s impossible to abide with God and not be submitting to His plan for our lives. Recognizing our sin leads us to mourn for it, which prompts us to humbly reach out to God for direction. Our ego and our self-righteousness disappear, and we draw closer to abiding with Jesus.

Questions to Journal: 

1. Has today's devotion changed your understanding of biblical meekness? 

2. How can you learn meekness from abiding in Christ and then allow this power to change your interactions with others?