A friend and I were stuck behind a slow-moving truck on a two-lane highway. We were unable to pass safely, and my friend kidded me: “You need to preach some sermons about learning to be aggressive!” I shot back: “You’re right! Perhaps from the text where Jesus says, &lsquoBlessed are the aggressive, for they will conquer the world!’” Of course, Jesus didn’t say that, but we had a good-natured laugh (and arrived home safely). This also helped me see how often we prefer aggression over meekness and brute force over gentle humility.
Jesus insists that under his leadership, aggression is out. Those who are meek and gentle, who are slow to anger and patient in the face of provocation, are truly happy. A meek person doesn’t fuel the fires of conflict with unfair accusations. Being meek means letting your temper chill when you’d rather argue with your spouse. It means showing patience with your children. It means not losing your cool when coworkers repeat their mistakes.
Meekness is often difficult for us because it seems like weakness. But it’s really about patience and self-control, which require great strength. In going to the cross, Jesus illustrates that the path to great life is through longsuffering love. Jesus was humble and meek for our sake. His humble greatness is what gives us life! As we see the beauty of Jesus’ meekness, may we become more like him.
King Jesus, since we share in your victory, help us to be meek, as you have shown us. Amen.
About the author — Rob Toornstra
Rob Toornstra has served as pastor of Sunnyslope Christian Reformed Church in Salem, Oregon, since 2006. When not busy with pastoral duties, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, and their three children.
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