Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matt. 5:5.) The word “meek” is much maligned. The word, as used in the New Testament, connotes both humility and strength under control. It does not characterize someone who is weak-kneed, spineless or has an inferiority complex. Perhaps to some mistaken individuals, it carries the idea of one who never becomes angry. However, in relation to the Father’s will, one is meek who is obedient and submissive. He is humble. In relation to others, especially when having been mistreated or abused, one is meek who has demonstrated strength under control. We had a horse that had been trained to cut cattle. When riding it, a light touch of the rein on the horse’s neck would cause it to turn. Meekness is a captain at the helm of a ship in the midst of a storm. Meekness is gentleness, mildness and calmness in spite of the difficult circumstances which may surround one
Consider a few places where this word meek or meekness is used in the New Testament. As this text states, the meek are blessed and shall inherit the earth. (Matt. 5:5.) Jesus described himself as “meek and lowly of heart.” (Matt. 11:28-30.) The apostle Paul asked the Corinthian saints how they wanted him to come to them: “What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? (1 Cor. 4:21.) In his second letter to them he pleaded with them: “Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you.” (II Cor. 10:1.) A characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit is meekness. (Gal. 5:22-23.) As Christians we are to walk in meekness and lowliness of heart. (Eph. 4:1-3.) Paul told Timothy among other things to “follow after…meekness.” (1 Cor. 6:11.) The servant of the Lord is not to strive but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves….(II Tim. 2:24-26.) Paul wrote, “...To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.” (Titus 3:2.) We are to receive the word of God with all meekness. (James 1:21.) A wise man who is endued with knowledge will show by his conduct his works with meekness of wisdom. (James 3:13.) In trying to restore the fallen, one is to do so in a spirit of meekness, considering himself, lest he also be tempted (Gal. 6:2.) In making a defense for the reason of hope that is within one, he is to do so in meekness. (1 Peter 3:15.)
Moses was described as “very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” (Num. 12:3.) Perhaps by seeing the context in which this description was given will help us to understand what it means to be meek. Difficult days and tough times had preceded Israel’s having arrived at Hazeroth. After leaving Mount Sinai they complained and God sent fire to consume many at Taberah. At Kibrothhattavah Israel had complained about only have manna to eat. They wanted meat; so, God sent them quails in abundance. They gathered quails for two days and a night. Some craved the meat so badly that they ate the quail raw. For this, the Lord sent a very great plague and those who lusted so died. The place was called Kibrothhattavah, meaning “graves of lust.” The next stopping place was Hazeroth.
It was at Hazeroth that Miriam and Aaron were critical of Moses for having married an Ethiopian woman. She was a Cushite, more than likely of dark skin. They said, “Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? Hath he not spoken also by us?” (Num. 12:2.) The Bible says, “And the Lord heard it.” I do not know if they were discussing this matter with anyone else or just each other. Regardless, the Lord heard them. The Lord hears the criticism that others express, whether in private or in public. It is in this context that this parenthetical statement is made: “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” (Num. 12:3.) Moses had received the brunt of much criticism from Israel. When Israel had complained about not having meat to eat, Moses was exasperated. He had had enough. So, he complained to God:
Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers? Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat. I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness. (Numbers 11:11-15.
However, on this occasion when his sister and brother are carping against him, he is silent. The Lord then calls out Moses, Aaron and Miriam unto the tabernacle of the congregation. They came out. God then appeared to them in the pillar of a cloud in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam to step forward. Then he said:
Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? (Num. 12:6-8.
God then struck Miriam with leprosy. Aaron pleaded with Moses saying, “Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.” He pleaded on behalf of Miriam’s condition. Moses, then prayed to God to heal her. The Lord said unto Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.”
One might ask: Why is the statement about Moses having been very meek above all men on the face of the earth inserted in this context? The answer surely has to be the way in which he dealt with the personal criticism. And this criticism came from his family, those near and dear to him. However, with the personal attack of him, even by his brother and sister, he did not retaliate. He did not seek revenge. He prayed for Miriam. That exemplifies strength under control. That is meekness. They could have been killed, as were Korah, Dathan, Abiram and the 250 princes who later questioned Moses’ authority (Num. 16.) Paul wrote, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19-21.)
Jesus is the greatest example of meekness. He was humble and obedient to his heavenly Father. He was gentle and kind to the weak and feeble. He demonstrated strength under control in midst of the storms of life, whether it was on the Sea of Galilee or treacherous attacks of the religious teachers of his day. As a lamb dumb before his shearers, he did not open his mouth. No wonder he referred to himself as meek and lowly of mind. No wonder Paul spoke of his meekness and gentleness of Christ.
THE INFORMER
October 11, 2015