Scripture: Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Thought for the Day: If a person is meek, s/he is often thought of as submissive and humble. According to Jesus, these are the people who shall inherit the earth. When I’ve heard the word meek, I have often thought of those with a quiet spirit, a confidently restful sense of self. In Isaiah 11, God levels the playing field for the meek. The word in the Hebrew describes those who are poor, weak and afflicted. These are people who are the product of their circumstance, and they look to God to rescue them from what is beyond their control. In Matthew and other New Testament books, the word meek (in the Greek language) describes a life that is more intentionally chosen amidst whatever the circumstances might be. This is a gentle disposition, and is related to the word in Paul’s description of the Fruit of the Spirit that included: faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
During this Lenten season, people of faith are given an opportunity to recommit themselves to a life of intentional meekness. It is neither taught by our culture nor is it something that comes naturally to most of us. For that reason, we must be deliberate in our spiritual practices that build trust in God…a trust that allows for us to have a confidently restful sense of self amid all the craziness of life.
Today in worship, the focus will be on silence and meditation. These spiritual disciplines are exceptional tools in the training and preparing of the self. Spend a few moments today quietly reflecting on the words from James 1:21 — Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.
Prayer: Make your presence known to me, Eternal God, for then I can have a restful spirit that is better able to live faithfully in the world instead of reactionary toward the world. Amen.
Did you remember…
TO Set Your
Clocks Forward
One Hour
FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
“A Disruptive Silence”
It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation
of the Lord (Lamentations 3:26).
