The focus for the last five days has been the Third Beatitude, Blessed are the Meek. Of the many definitions the Strong’s bible dictionary gives to the Greek ‘ praus’, two stand out - a disposition of spirit in which we accept His[God’s] dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting and wholly relying on God rather than their own strength to defend them against injustice – which both speak to an acceptance of his Sovereignty. The Lent Pilgrim devotional chose to highlight other elements of this in the life of Jesus the quintessential meek one; his humility in not grasping equality with God (Phil 2:7) and playing the servant, washing his disciple’s feet (Jn 13:1-15).
Even those who have been around him for a while such as the sons of Zebedee find it difficult too, not helped by their mother’s attempt to game Jesus into giving up the choice seats in the kingdom (Matt 20:20-27). Jesus’ response is swift and quick, morphing into the perfect teachable moment.
So then blessed are the meek - the ones who lead by serving, the ones who rely on God for strength, the ones who recognise his overarching sovereignty. Food for thought.
Currently listening to: You’re Gonna Be Ok – Jenn Johnson