Commentary on "The Fruit of the Spirit is Meekness"

TERRY MIRRA

 

Day 3: Monday, February 22, 2010

 

OVERVIEW

This section reviews meekness and how it was manifested in the lives of Abraham, Joseph, David, Moses and Jesus. It gives specific examples from each one’s life along with biblical references. It ends with the questions, “What can you find in common among these examples of meekness? What can you learn from them that could help you understand what meekness is and isn’t?”

 

OBSERVATIONS

The biblical men listed are all amazing examples of lives lived with humility and meekness. While all (except Jesus, who is God) were imperfect and exhibited, on many occasions, human failings , they were mighty men of God that surrendered their own agendas and desires to fulfill God’s instead, even when they didn’t understand why. They stepped out in faith, knowing God was always in control. In referring to Gen. 50:20, the author asks how is this verse is an example of the worldview of those who are meek? This verse (referring to Joseph’s statement to his brothers) has to be a believer’s worldview when encountering any unpleasant or unexpected life situation:

“You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people.” (Gen. 50:20)

If we trust that everything is used to accomplish God’s will, we can have complete peace in knowing it will all turn out as He’s planned. Romans 8:28 says,

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” (emphasis added mine)

To learn what we can about meekness from these biblical men’s lives, I’ll first point out the difference between “meek” and “weak”, to add to our prior distinctions:

Meek: Humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others.¹

Weak: Not having much moral strength or firmness, resolution or force of character. (While there are several definitions of “weak”, they all begin with the words “deficient” or “lacking in”.)¹

Meekness does not equal a lack or deficiency, but rather responding rightly, which takes strength. Responding is about taking the same emotion and prayerfully sifting it through God’s truth and principles in order to respond in the right way at the right time, and for the right reason or motive—God’s, not ours. While not perfect, the biblical men mentioned had moral strength and character—and responded accordingly.

Jesus is obviously in a category by himself, as He is God. The following illustrates His ultimate example of meekness:

“So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You have said it.” And the chief priests began to accuse Him of many things. Then Pilate questioned Him again, “Are You not answering anything? Look how many things they are accusing You of!” But Jesus still did not answer anything, so Pilate was amazed.” (Mark 15:2-5).

Jesus did not answer Pilate because He was guilty—not of His own sin, but of ours. He went to the cross for our transgressions. If He had been going to the cross apart from His mission as the sacrificial lamb, He could have answered, “Not guilty”. As our substitute, He was meek and responded rightly, thus accepting the punishment for our sins. He was the ultimate example of meekness, doing the right thing to fulfill God’s plan of salvation.

 

SUMMARY

1. The biblical men listed are good examples of meekness (Jesus being the best, as He is God and perfect). They had faith and surrendered to God’s will, even though they didn’t always understand. Though they were human and had many failings, they had faith in God and trusted Him for the “big picture”, God’s plan. Jesus is our perfect example as His will and the Father’s are one; complete surrender to accomplish the cross (Matt. 26:39).
2. Gen. 50:20 is a perfect example of a Christian worldview—it’s all about God’s will and how God uses everything (even our imperfections and failings) for His plan in every situation. This gives us the peace to respond with meekness. As a believer, we can be assured that God uses everything for His purpose.
3. Meekness does not equal a deficiency or a “lack of” anything. Jesus was the ultimate example, as He responded rightly to fulfill His Father’s will and thus complete the plan of salvation.

¹ http://dictionary.reference.com/

 

GO TO DAY 4

 

Copyright 2010 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised February 22, 2010. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.

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