Jesus or Lord is often described as being meek. If this is true then I believe that we have a terrible misunderstanding of what exactly this small word really does mean in regards to our Lord. I think when most people think of meek they think of a lamb, submissive, weak, compliant, lacking courage, cowed, gentile, mild, soft, you get the point. If I were to refer to someone as meek in today's culture it is easy to picture a slight little man who is quiet and afraid. In regard to Christ meek can mean lion just as much as it means lamb. When Christ says in Matt 11:28, ''Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.'' How about when Christ is beaten and scourged and led to Calvary to be crucified? I see the meekness of the Lamb. How about when Christ is overturning the money changers tables? How about when Christ returns? How about the judgement that all who do not know Christ will face? I believe that if we are to refer to Christ as meek we need to find our definition in Christ rather then in a dictionary.
I think it is important for us as Christians to ''walk softly'' as Christ walked. 1 Peter 3:15 says, ''but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,''. The word gentleness here is often translated meekness. It is also important for us to carry a ''big stick'' as Jesus did. 2 Tim 4:2 says, ''preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.''
The next time you hear the word meek I pray that you will be reminded of Jesus our precious savior and lord!
2 comments:
Rob,
You are so right that the word meek has become something different than it originally was. The word in English is etymologically related to "mucous," believe it or not, and thus represents softness and pliability.
One of the best definitions of meekness I have ever heard is: "willingness to do the will of another." In the case of our Lord Jesus Christ (and hopefully in our case also), this would mean willingness to do the will of GOD. So, if Jesus turns over the money changers' tables according to the Father's will, that is a meek action - but the pliability is in relation to God's will, not sinful man's expectations and demands.
On the other hand, the New Testament calls us to exercise extreme meekness in relation to one another, and perhaps this is related to mutual submission among believers, preferring one another in honor, putting others before ourselves, etc. So there is a gentleness involved, but it is a powerful and robust gentleness - not a cowering fear of man. I've met people who can gently say words that deeply convict and overthrow the heart. It's not done by the force of emotional intensity, but by a loving spiritual persuasion that trusts God to do the work.
Grace & peace,
Derek
Thanks for the info brother! Very helpful! Still looking forward to a cup of java if I ever get your way!
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