Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. (Mat 5:5 NKJ)
The meek shall inherit the earth? This is a total contrast to the system of imperial Rome that ruled Palestine during the time of Jesus’ lifetime. Words like aggressive, coercive, hierarchical, expansionist and even racist, but never meek.
King Jehoshaphat gave us a great example. We read, “Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar ” (which is En Gedi). And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to ask help from the LORD; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD………Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, ….., in the midst of the assembly. And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the LORD to you: `Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. `Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. `You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you.” (2Ch 20:2-3; 14-17 NKJ). The enemy was defeated!!
In the New Testament, we read, “And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer.” Matthew 27:12-14
So, why the picture of Gandhi? It’s simple, he was an example of meekness, choosing to practice non-violent resistance against British oppression in India. His example was taken up by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his non-violent struggle against racism and for civil rights.
Meekness is power under control, or as Gloria Gaither sings, “lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.” Meekness comes when you realize that the outcome is determined not by your strength and power but by God.
