Last month the word “restore” occupied our attention and it is worthwhile to note, that the restoration of one overtaken in a fault, is to be accomplished “in a spirit of meekness”: indeed there is no other successful way.
The importance of meekness to a christian cannot be over emphasised, for upon its possession our inheritance depends. “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth”, Matt. 5. 5. With so much at stake let us carefully look behind this word.
Jesus invites us to take his yoke upon us and learn from him, just as an inexperienced young animal learns from the wiser one with which it is yoked. What are we to learn? Jesus’ next words, “for I am meek and lowly in heart”, supply the answer and his example is our guide. His outstanding attribute was his singular devotion to the performance of his Father’s will, being obedient even to the death upon the cross. Through this submission to God, Jesus now sits at His right hand and will have all things put in subjection to him when he returns again. The pre-requisite to our being associated witih Christ in his future work, is therefore, the imitation of Jesus’ devotion to his Father’s will.
In short we must be God-controlled.
The papyri supplies this idea of control, when it uses the word “praus” (meek) of a wild horse which has been tamed and is now obedient to bit and bridle. The steel-like strength is still there but is directed to useful ends. Likewise, we who were once wild and enemies of God, have been broken in and tamed to lead useful lives in service to our God, being controlled by Him through His word. Meekness does not mean passive submission to all and sundry, as the phrase “gentle Jesus meek and mild” is so often taken to mean. On occasions, the strength and passionate zeal of Jesus blazed forth, but it was still according to His Father’s will. Likewise Moses, the meekest of men, was courageous, decisive and possessed of a righteous anger, when circumstances ‘demanded such.
Paul makes good use of this word. He tells Titus that he desires him to insist that the brethren and sisters in his care should “speak evil of no man, be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men” (Ti. 3. 2). The R.S.V. translates this passage, “be gentle and show perfect courtesy towards all men”. The courteous person is always self-controlled, but since we are required to show perfect courtesy and we are not yet perfect, self control is inadequate. Only our willing submission Ito God’s control will suffice.
It is God’s will that all should be saved—that those overtaken in a fault should be restored — that “those that oppose themselves . . . may repent and come to know the truth” (2 Tim. 2. 25). These latter are to be taught “in meekness”, for it is God who is calling and choosing. Realising this, and that we are but servants under His control, our ready answer to everyone that asks the reason of the hope we hold, is to be given with meekness and reverence (1 Peter 3. 15). It is not for us to decide who will or will not receive the gracious gift from God.
For our personal welfare James advises that we “should put away all filthiness and rank growth of wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save” (1. 21 R.S.V.). He further shows how the God-controlled are to be known and recognised. “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good life let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom (3. 13 R.S.V.).
Meekness is one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians (5. 23) and Paul begs believers “to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4. 1-3). It is in the example of the meekness and gentleness of Jesus that Paul makes his heartfelt appeal. Who could resist?
Meekness then, is our love of God demonstrated by a life of devoted submission to His control. Such a “meek and quiet spirit”.
Reflections on the Potter and the Clay