Meek or weak?

One of the most interesting and unique concepts to Christianity is that of dependence. Much of the world religions teach that you have to do something to gain the end prize.  Almost all, are a process of works. However, Christianity is different. You cannot gain the end prize of eternal life, and transformation if you do it on your own merits. This is beautifully illustrated in what Christians call the Beatitudes. In Matthew 5:5 is the verse “Blessed are the meek”, this is a very interesting verse. In the cultural context of Ancient Israel, there was typically a view that to be blessed was to have things or to be in a position of height or power. Here Jesus is saying blessed are the meek. What does this mean? Meek as defined by dictionary.com
    1. humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others.
    2. overly submissive or compliant; spiritless; tame.
    3. Obsolete. gentle; kind.

This paints a picture of a weak and broken spirit. This is close but not what Jesus was conveying. The word for meek in Greek carries a different meaning. 
    William Barcley describes it this way, “It is the regular word for an animal which has been domesticated, which has been trained to obey the word of command, which has learned to respond to the reins. It is the word for an animal which has learned to accept control…The moment we have stated that, we see that it needs a change. It is not so much the blessing of those who are self-controlled, for such complete self-control is beyond human capacity; rather, it is the blessing of those who are completely God-controlled, for only in his service do we find our perfect freedom and, in doing his will, our peace.” The moment we have stated that, we see that it needs a change. It is not so much the blessing of those who are self-controlled, for such complete self-control is beyond human capacity; rather, it is the blessing of those who are completely God-controlled, for only in his service do we find our perfect freedom and, in doing his will, our peace." The New Daily Study Bible.
 
As Christians, we are not to be pushovers, but to be completely controlled by God. For us to attain eternal life, we need to allow Jesus to control us. To take the reins. Is Jesus in control of your reins?

Read Matthew 5:1-16

Journal: What does this say about a Christian? How are you different then this? What can you do to become more like this? 

Pray: Today as you pray ask that God will take control of your life. That he will make you controllable.