Hello ,

 

 

Many people interpret "meek" to mean "weak," and see it as a negative; as an invitation to be walked on and mis-treated. The root word for the kind of "meek" that this verse references is only used in the New Testament 3 times.  It means a gentleness of spirit, and stands in opposition of self-promotion, manipulation, coercion, or any kind of pre-occupation for having the world see everything "our way."

 

Unfortunately, we're not born with these tendencies. You don't have to tell a baby to be "naturally selfish" in their dealings with other children. Grabbing a toy and screaming "MINE" seems to happen as naturally as breathing. 

 

The kind of meekness that this verse is describing comes from a deep, life-altering divine work that only a source outside of ourselves can produce in us, and through us towards others. 

 

That word "blessed" in the beatitudes (in its original form) means "happy." God can bring about a peace and a happiness into our lives that the world simply cannot offer.  We can trust Him for it, and He wants to give it to us. 

 

All of this sounds wonderful in theory, but those theories can fade into oblivion when we're angry or frustrated at someone who has cut us off in traffic, or treated us in a shabby way in front of our friends. 

That's why staying connected to a Heavenly source of power is vital to bein "blessed," or "happy." Only God can bring it about in our lives, and seeking Him for it is the greatest commitment that we can make.

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word