“BLESSED ARE THE MEEK, FOR THEY SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH.”
Meekness is a character trait taken on by those who have encountered Jesus; it is not inborn. As Darrel read Psalm 37, I found that the commonality between all the descriptions was trust.
The meek do not fret because of evil since their trust is in the Lord and they allow God to be their justifier. This reminded me of what Richard Foster said in Celebration of Discipline, “If we are silent, who will take control? God will take control, but we will never let Him take control until we trust Him. Silence is intimately related to trust.” So often I am quick to justify myself or adjust my public image using my words. Those are the moments that I forget that my identity is found in Christ and He will take care of me. When I try to seek my own honor, I no longer seek God’s honor nor the honor of my neighbors.
The other day I had a conversation with my dad and found myself frustrated because he did not understand my side of a debate. Of course, I opened my mouth to express my frustration, and justify my reasoning. After getting nowhere, I realized that maybe I was not right to be upset by it, or maybe rightfully so. Either way, I can hand over my hurt and frustrations to Jesus. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “one who lives by justification by grace is willing and ready to accept even insults and injuries without protest”, which Jesus does so well. Even when He was criticized and hurt, He never retaliated, rather He repeatedly handed it over to His Father. We are called to do the same.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “one who lives by justification by grace is willing and ready to accept even insults and injuries without protest”, which Jesus does so well. Even when He was criticized and hurt, He never retaliated, rather He repeatedly handed it over to His Father. We are called to do the same."
ReplyDeleteI word softner at this!