To Encourage You

Hebrews 5:7 “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.”

In the verse above we see a picture of Jesus in His awesome meekness.  The other day I read the folloiwng definition of this word as it is used in the Bible: “Meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting. The meek are those wholly relying on God rather than their own strength to defend against injustice. Thus, meekness toward evil people means knowing God is permitting the injuries they inflict, that He is using them to purify His elect, and that He will deliver His elect in His time.  Gentleness or meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest. It stems from trust in God’s goodness and control over the situation. The gentle person is not occupied with self at all. This is a work of the Holy Spirit, not of the human will” (https://teachwhatisgood.com/2018/06/14/blessed-are-the-meek/). What a beautiful description of this One who said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). 

The Bible says that any high priest that God appointed to minister to the people in the Old Testament could “deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness” (Hebrews 5:2).  Yet, our Great High Priest, Jesus, was beset by weakness willingly, for our sake, and not as a natural condition such as that of the Old Testament priests.  He became a man and willingly and meekly subjected Himself to the sin of man for our sake, with a never-wavering trust in the Father, knowing that great good would result if He endured. 

So what about us?  Is meekness a characteristic that we desire?  In the things that we suffer, is there a humble submission to the will of God, with a disposition to “accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting.” Or do we complain, resist, lash out when things don’t go so well for us.  Do we show how self-assertive we are, something the One we say we follow never did?  Do we look to God’s Word and believe it when it says, “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28)?  And when it says all things, do we believe it means all things?  In the difficulties we face, whether they be injustices, “accidents,” misunderstandings, or trials of any kind, do we look to the Lord and say with our Savior “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). That’s the attitude and prayer life of the meek. That’s the attitude of those who are truly following the Lord.