THE MEEK

Wiersbe (2007) begins the chapter by defining meekness. He first states what it is not. Meekness is not weakness. We live in a world that prizes power. Whether it is war between nations, opponents in an athletic event, or the business world, those with power are at an advantage. Wiersbe spends a little time in discussing anger and the devastation of its effects. He includes an exchange a woman has with evangelist Billy Sunday. She says there is nothing wrong with losing my temper. She then says I blow up and then it is over with. Billy Sunday's response is quite descriptive. He says "so does a shot gun. But look at the damage that is left behind. In my time as a mental health intern I have seen countless men and women struggle with anger, and not just anger but rage. The effect can be devastating to all involved peoples and properties.

Wiersbe then goes on to describe what meekness is: "The Greek word that is translated meekness was a familiar word to the people in Jesus' day. It was used to describe a soothing medicine. Doctors gave patients who wrestled with a fever medication to quiet them down and relieve their high temperature so that they could sleep. Sailors also used the word to describe a gentle breeze. (p. 65-66). These two examples, medicine and wind both have power. Medicine has power to heal and everyone who has been in a storm of any sort know the power of wind. However, these elements when kept under control achieve a positive effect. Wiersbe then goes on with a Biblical illustration of meekness. In Genesis 13 we find the quarreling of Abraham and Lot's herdsmen because they have grown two large. Abraham as the uncle and the man who the Bible calls friend of God does not assert his authority. Instead what he says is powerful: "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right, I'll go to the left" (Genesis 13:8-9). Abraham gave his young nephew first choice of the land. He had the power to take first choice himself but he entrusted himself to God because he knew God has ultimate control. Wiersbe also uses Joseph as an illustration. Joseph entrusted himself to God despite all the injustices he encountered with his brothers and while in prison. He had the power to punish his brothers when he became second in charge in Egypt. He never inflicted any harm or retribution to his brothers when he had the authority to do so.

Wiersbe then asks the question are we meek? The best way to find out is to ask are we exercising self-control? How do we react to situations. How is our attitude? What is our behavior like when life happens. This one has been challenging recently. The constant knee pain and difficulty getting up and taking steps has been very frustrating at times. I don't know if I will ever recover. I need both peace and perspective in this area. Wiersbe offers perspective on his reflection on Psalm 37: "Too many people respond—or react—to the difficulties of life by fretting. "Do not fret," says the opening verse of Psalm 37, and it is repeated in verse 8: "Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil." The normal thing to do when people attack you is to get angry, fret over it, and fight back, but this is not the spiritual thing to do. Meek people submit themselves and their enemies to God and let Him handle the problem. Look at the admonitions in Psalm 37: "Trust in the Lord; . . . Delight yourself in the Lord; ... Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; . . . Refrain from anger; . . . Turn from evil and do good" (vv. 3-4, 7-8, 27). The meek center their attention and affection on the Lord, not on themselves or their adversary. When you find yourself fretting because of people or circumstances, you can be sure that you have lost your meekness" (p. 71). Do good. Be still before the Lord. Wait patiently for the Lord. This is a time to center my attention and affection on God and not my present circumstance.

Wiersbe goes on to describe how meekness is cultivated. "You and I must make the choice: Will we submit in the difficulties of life and cultivate meekness, or will we rebel and produce hardness? The fruit of the Spirit is meekness, but it takes time for the fruit to grow, and the fruit grows best in the storms of life" (p. 77). Both King David and the Apostle Paul are great examples of men who went through trial after trial and through it grew not only in maturity but meekness. It is true that trials are the tools by which we either grow or regress. It is all to easy to grow bitter through the difficulties of life. Wiersbe ends with the blessing of meekness, that is that the meek shall inherit the earth. "The meek own everything because they are submitted to the God who made everything and controls everything; God is their Father" (p. 79). This fact that God is my Father seems simplistic and yet it is so hard to conceptualize. The Bible says that God is my Father and He knows each one of my needs. God made everything and controls everything. Wiersbe talks about how Jesus never worried about food or about his life. He slept soundly on the boat while His disciples grew anxious that they would die. Jesus was without worry because He knew the goodness and power of His Father.

Prayer:

Father, how profound it is that I can call you Father. With that one word is all the security and protection in the universe. You made all things and control all things. This situation being jobless and facing knee pain has really been weighing me down. Daily do I need to submit these situations into Your hands and pray for peace, perspective, and for Your provision. Through it, I learn of my anxiety and fears. Remind me Father of Your goodness and grace. Would I learn to wait patiently for you and set my attention and affection on You.