Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matt 5:5 KJV
We describe Kings as bold, competitive, prosperous, fun loving, and life changing. Most of us come from a tradition in which meekness means yielding our personal rights and expectations to God. We busy ourselves trying to be humble and stay out of the limelight. That’s our definition of servants. To many, “meekness” suggests the idea of passivity, someone who is easily imposed upon, spineless, and weak… someone who left his heart’s desire at the altar of false humility.
I want to suggest that real meekness is “surrender.” It’s surrendering to the plan God has for greatness instead of smallness. “Meek as a mouse” is our tradition. However, “meek as Moses” is much more Biblical. Moses was a great leader.
Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth. Num 12:3 NIV
Meekness is mighty – Pride is not as big a problem for the average Christian as false humility; the selfishness of introversion; the fear of risk that inevitably comes with faith. God is looking for saints that are more than conquerors. He’s inviting us to come out of the shadows and make a difference in our world today. In this hour, many are being invited to new levels of prominence in politics, education, science, and the arts. Others are experiencing amazing levels of prosperity. There is a reason; God wants us to inherit the earth. We’ve greatly underestimated the “greatness” God wants us to possess so that we can inherit the earth.
I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. Matt 11:11-12 NIV
In the Greek New Testament, “meek” is from the Greek term praus. It does not suggest weakness; rather, it denotes strength brought under control. The ancient Greeks employed the term to describe a wild horse tamed to the bridle. I appreciate the quality of brokenness in men and women whom God has made great and influential.
Real Meekness says “yes Lord” when he comes and asks you to step out of the boat and allow him to make your name great for the sake of the Kingdom.
“I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Gen 12:2-3 NIV
Implementing the plan of God to establish His presence on earth involves spiritual warfare at a number of levels. Prayer is just one. Finances, influence, and creativity are all ingredients to inheriting the earth through the marketplace. We are called to take dominion over this creation. We’re taking back territory the enemy currently possesses. You see the great commission is really all about the nations… the people from every corner of the earth we are called to invite into this life… this abundant life.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. Ps 2:8 NIV
We all have a challenge to believe for God’s best. It’s much bigger and better than you’ve been able to ask or think. Sunday I was on my way home from Montana. My mind was on all the possibilities God has in front of me when I ran out of gas on the freeway. As the pickup sputtered and slowed an exit sign came into view around the corner. After it quit entirely I gave it one more start and we lurched to the top a hill. I was sure I’d have to walk, but we coasted right up the gas pump… even had to brake a little to get stopped. It was right then that the Lord spoke to me,
“You’re going to make it. I’m giving your everything you need to arrive at your destiny… exceedingly and abundantly above all you ask or think.”
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Eph 3:20-21 NKJV
Life is an adventure. People are a blessing. God is amazing. We’re winning.
