Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth
-Matthew 5:5
Like I said in earlier posts, this is just my crazy finite minds interpretation of the beatitudes as I reflect on them. That being said, as I read commentaries and resources on Matthew 5:5, one quote kept coming to mind. It comes from none other than the movie “Spider-man”.
With great power comes great responsibility -Aunt Mae
Since it kept coming back to me, I figured I would run with that. To be honest it helped me in my understanding. When you think of most Super Heroes, they are mild mannered. Their alter egos are usually, dare I say, “meek”. Within them is great power. Yet to the world that knows them, they are simple, average, humble, everyday people. They don’t flaunt their power, they are as human as everyone around them. They are not proud or arrogant about it. They use it when it is needed and do so for good. They help those in need and the less fortunate. Their power is used with great responsibility.
From what I read, Jesus was not calling us to be doormats. He wasn’t asking that we allow people to walk all over us and for Christianity to become a weakness. I think Christ was calling us to an understanding that “with great power comes great responsibility”. What power? How about joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17) for one. Being a joint heir with our Savior is certainly great power. Yet understanding the responsibility that comes with this inheritance is key to being meek.
Understand we did (and can do) nothing to gain this position (poor in spirit)
Understand that without God we are forever separated (those who mourn)
Understanding that we are powerless, separated, and submit to Gods will (meek)
Superman harnessed his power by becoming the meek Clark Kent. Spider-man became a news paper photographer named Peter Parker. Though they had incredible power within them, they lived humble lives understanding the strength under control. We have the power of Christ within us. We have the guidance of the Holy Spirit to change the lives of those around us. Being meek is treating this power with great responsibility.
Coming Monday: Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
I am enjoying this Aaron, thanks. They’re my new favourite part of the bible as we’ve done some small group study on it (I have some great notes if you’re interested!!).
http://www.imrah.org/2008/06/tamed-to-the-bridle/ This blog tells of the analogy of the horse and the bridle – the horse is under the control of the rider through the bridle, but it is still a strong animal. It is meek, not weak. I like analogies, my brain thinks in pictures LOL!