“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5)
“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word.” – Mary (Luke 1:38)
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed…He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate…” – Mary (Luke 1:46-52)
In order to better understand the “meekness” described in this beattitude and the humility that is a part of it, we have looked at several examples in the Scriptures. The witness of Moses (known as the meekest man that ever lived) was that meekness does not mean weakness. Of course, Jesus was the ultimate example of the power and necessity of meekness in the life of love and sacrifice. The examples of a powerful leader (Naaman) and a rich young man revealed to us the difficulties that position and worldly wealth bring in living a life of humility. Now there is one more example that we will look at during our meditation of this subject. She was a young lady in a village in Nazareth named Mary.
When God chose her to be the way He would come into this world she responded with, I believe, one of the clearest examples of meekness and humility in all of Scripture. Recognizing that we are the “Lord’s servant” is the beginning of understanding meekness. It is followed by a choice to yield to the will of another. To be willing to set aside everything in submission to God’s direction for the good of the Kingdom. Her humble attitude made her to be the perfect vessel to experience the blessing of being a part of God’s plan to redeem the world.
Her heart is further revealed in her song she sings when visiting her cousin Elizabeth. Her life has been turned upside down and she is “all in”. She is rejoicing…referring to herself as blessed. Then she shares with us what she has learned about God’s favor to the humble and opposition to the proud. Yes, we have a lot to learn from this young peasant girl from Galilee.
Open your Bible and read the story and song of Mary (Luke 1:26-55). Do you see the courage and faith revealed in her humility? Her love for God is illustrated in meekness. Can you respond to God’s call on your life today with that kind of spirit?
“Let it be to me according to your word”
Who holds sway over your life today? You cannot serve two masters. Simplifying your life starts here…only serving one God…following His direction alone…wholeheartedly devoted to His will.
“Blessed are the meek…”