Meekness, or gentleness, must never be confused, misconstrued as weakness. Moses and Jesus were both described as meek. Jesus himself says that he is “humble and gentle of heart” (Mt. 11:29, NLT). In him we find rest, reflection, renewal and restoration. During this Lenten journey through our wildernesses, we will need to find the right balance of gentleness and strength. Anyone who has faced recovery from surgery or cancer treatment knows and understands this. When we rest, our bodies gain inner strength to accomplish the hard work of rehabilitation.

What a misunderstood word “meek” is! The very word, when translated in the New Testament, is also used to describe warhorses. It is power that is held in reserve. Think again of a patient in recovery. From deep within our cell structure lies the miraculous capacity for healing and strengthening. When speaking of our faith, it might be a good analogy to consider that we therefore are empowered to channel that meekness into service to others. Rulers and leaders who are most effective recognize that they inhabit meekness. When our Lord endured his passion, he was silent. Yet on the way to Golgotha, he still had the grace to care for others. Referring to the warhorse, there is a harnessed power, bridled until the right time. Back to his Sermon on the Mount, knowing Scripture as completely as he did, Jesus references Psalm 37:11 – “but the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.” We find our ability to reflect, be renewed and restored as a life that is enriched, strengthened and fulfilled. There are always times when assertiveness and speaking the truth forcefully yet lovingly will be the right call. We will always garner more respect when we are meek, gentle, and able to unbridle that power selflessly and kindly. Our joy will be fully restored, even if the pains of this world do not go away. God graciously blesses us with His unconditional love, mercifully granted through our great “warhorse”, Jesus Christ the Lord.
Pastor Art