Why It Is a Good Thing to Be MEEK.

We are studying the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-16 at church this Lent, Feb 17th -March 4th. Today, I want to share with you a very important insight in the concept of MEEKNESS.

Most of the time we really get it all wrong. And if you read one portion of the Bible and you think it makes no sense at all, you may be tempted to throw it all out as irrelevant or unimportant. That would be a BIG mistake.

But in realty most of the time, we are the ones who approach the sacred texts with wrong presuppositions. So, in an effort to get our heads on straight about Matthew 5:5, here are some of my thoughts on MEEKNESS.

“Blessed, or O How happy are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

“We tend to think of the meek as the casualties, not as the winners.” Miserable are the meek, because they get trampled upon." We live in a world of assertiveness training. We live in a world which values getting what you want and then wanting more for yourself. There are countless courses, books, and television shows about getting what is "due" to you and that for which you are “entitled”. And a good part of the growth in our national debt is from folks insisting on getting what they consider to be their entitlements.” -John A. Terry

At the time the Greek word "praeis" was first translated into English, the word "meek" had a different meaning than it does today. The Greek word in the Bible that we translate into the English -Meek- means: Humble, Obedient, God-controlled, Bridled-able to be led by God and Disciplined.

Try the following description of MEEK - “Living humbly toward God and kindly toward others.” Do you find this description of meekness helpful? Now that makes a whole lot of sense in terms of our faith and our relationships with each other.

The word we render as "meek" is difficult to translate from the original Greek into English. We tend to link the works "meek" and "little," as in "he is a meek, little man." Or “she is a meek and submissive woman.” There are unfortunate implications with the word "meek" which imply a meek person is without courage, or self-respect, a broken-spirited person. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. The truth of the matter is that the MEEK are the real winners in this world. In fact, if you want to be meek you had better be strong.

If Jesus Christ is our model and example, which he is, consider how he described himself in Matthew 11:29? “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” And, we must remember it is the meek who will one day inherit it all, from God.

Blessings,

Reverend Bill Mcbride

Making Your Connections

It seems that making a connection is at the top of every ones list these days. Valentines Day is the day to make your romantic connection. If you turn on your TV, no matter what channel or go to your homepage online, everyone is asking you to make a connection with the winter Olympics. These are just two of the many connections we talk about, think about and seek to make in our lives almost everyday. I am sure you can add your list of connections.

As far as I am concerned, making connections is really what going to church is all about. Some folks go to church to connect with their neighbors and friends. Some folks go to church to connect with important local and worldwide missions and needs; connect with giving to Haiti or connect with the local food pantry. Some folks go to church to grow in their relationship with God, making a connection with the divine. All of these are great ways to make and stay connected. In fact, making connections is a fitting theme for the church, wouldn't you agree?

The local congregation, our local congregation is a great place for you to make your connections. Over the next 40 days, Ash Wednesday until Easter we will focus on our connections here at church. We will dig into the section of the Bible called the "Beatitudes" which in my mind help us to get and stay connected with God, with each other and with the world.
Take a few minutes tonight and read Matthew 5:1-16 and see what God is telling you about your connections. And, I'll see you in church.

Blessings,

Reverend Bill