Introduction When we consider the mightiest leaders in history we think of Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, Cyrus of Persia, Alexander the Great of Greece, Caesar of Rome. Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and prophesied about these world kingdoms. Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and prophesied about these world kingdoms. (Daniel 2:37-40) In the 4 th kingdom, he prophesied that there would be a kingdom God would set up which would never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44).

Introduction David was told that the David was told that the Lord would establish His kingdom forever from one of his descendants (2 Samuel 7:12-13). The Jews believed the Messiah would conquer the Roman kingdom and set up an earthly kingdom where He would be sitting on David’s earthly throne in Jerusalem forever. When Jesus performs miracles and they think that He is the One, He says, “blessed are the meek” and they are perplexed.

What Meekness is Not Meekness is not weakness. It does not mean that a person lacks confidence, courage, or conviction. It does not mean that he is timid, shy, or indecisive. It does not mean that he will compromise the truth in order to have peace at any price.

Meekness is Strength Under Control The Greeks used this word “praus” translated “meek” to describe a horse that was trained and controlled by his master. The horse had the potential to be wild but it had been trained to obey. In the same way that the horse has its strength under control of the rider, our strength is under control or direction of God’s word.

Moses- Strength out of Control He was spared from certain death as an infant and was raised in the palace of Egypt. When he was 40, he saw an Israelite treated unjustly by an Egyptian and killed him supposing that God was When he was 40, he saw an Israelite treated unjustly by an Egyptian and killed him supposing that God was going to grant them deliverance through him (Acts 7:24-25). Was that meekness? No, that was weakness, because his strength was not under God’ s control but his own and he fled for 40 years from Pharaoh (Acts 7:29-30).

Moses- Trained by God to be Meek God calls him from the burning bush to go to the Egyptians using God calls him from the burning bush to go to the Egyptians using miracles so that Pharaoh would let His people go (Exodus 3). After Moses makes many excuses concerning his lack of ability, he decides to go (Ex. 4). After God delivers the people from Egyptian bondage, Moses has to endure the criticism and complaints of the faithless Israelites who wanted to stone him (Numbers 14:1-10).

Moses- the Weak becomes Meek Instead of desiring that the Israelites be killed for their rebellion and God beginning a new nation through him, Moses prays that God would forgive their Instead of desiring that the Israelites be killed for their rebellion and God beginning a new nation through him, Moses prays that God would forgive their sins (Nu. 14:11-19). Moses rebuked Aaron and the people for their sins when they made the golden calf. (Exodus 32:19ff) Moses learned to have his strength under control of God’s will and not his own. (Num. 12:3)

The Sons of Thunder Desire Power Jesus chose James and John as apostles. Jesus chose James and John as apostles. (Mark 3:17) They asked Jesus if they could call down fire from heaven to destroy the Samaritans like Elijah did (Luke 9:54). Jesus rebuked them since He came to save souls (Luke 9:55-56). Another time, they asked Jesus for positions of power which caused the other 10 apostles to be mad at them (Mk. 10:35ff).

The Sons of Thunder Learn Meekness James and John learned meekness from the Master in many different situations: transfiguration; resurrection of a child; in the Garden of Gethsemane before death. James and John learned meekness from the Master in many different situations: transfiguration; resurrection of a child; in the Garden of Gethsemane before death. (Mark 5:37ff; 9:2ff; 14:33ff) John becomes the beloved apostle who used his power under control of God’s word to write a gospel and epistles which evidence that Jesus is God’s son while also rebuking sin. (John 20:30-31; 1 John 2:3-5) James became a martyr for Christ (Acts 12:2).

We Must Learn Meekness from Jesus He is the Son of God who voluntarily gave up His will to do the Father’s will for our salvation He is the Son of God who voluntarily gave up His will to do the Father’s will for our salvation (Philippians 2:5-8). In the Garden of Gethsemane, he prayed, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done“ (Luke 22:42). He had 72,000 angels at his disposal to prevent his arrest, but He was concerned about the Scriptures being fulfilled (Mt. 26:53ff).

We Must Learn Meekness from Jesus Jesus did not seek vengeance on those who mocked, ridiculed, beat, scourged and crucified Him but instead said, “Father forgive them for they Jesus did not seek vengeance on those who mocked, ridiculed, beat, scourged and crucified Him but instead said, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). He was led as a lamb to the slaughter but did not open his mouth in his own defense, but only in accordance with God’s will. (Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 27:11-14; 26:62-64)

We Must Learn Meekness from Jesus The Lamb of God is also the Lion of the Tribe of The Lamb of God is also the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5). Jesus threw the moneychangers out of the temple at the beginning and end of His ministry (John 2:13-17; Luke 19:45-46). Jesus severely rebuked the Pharisees for their sins but wept over their unwillingness to repent (Matthew 23:31-39).

How do we apply meekness to our lives? When God speaks we humbly listen and obey. When God speaks we humbly listen and obey. (Psalm 25:9) When we suffer persecution, we don’t retaliate with personal insults or violence, but with kindness so they can be saved through the word of God (2 Timothy 2:24-26; 3:12). When error is taught, we will have the courage to cast down everything that is raised up against the knowledge of God rather than compromise with it (2 Cor. 10:3-6).

Conclusion It is not the mighty that shall inherit the earth but the meek. They enjoy all spiritual blessings in Christ here They enjoy all spiritual blessings in Christ here (Eph. 1:4; 1 Cor. 3:21-23) and look forward to a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). Is your strength under control of God’s will or your own (Proverbs 14:12; Eph. 6:10)? This is a lifetime commitment that takes much longsuffering and patience.

Conclusion Only the gospel is God’s power to save your soul. Only the gospel is God’s power to save your soul. (Romans 1:16; James 1:21) Will you allow Jesus to rule the reins of your heart or sin (Romans 6:16-17)? “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).