This weeks conversation ~ The power of restraint, OR developing the character of meekness: power under restraint.
Helps Word Studies defines the Greek word 4239/praüs ; meek, as ~
Being meek, in Scripture, is not being weak. Rather it refers to exercising God's strength under His control – i.e. describing power used without undue harshness.
[The English term "meek" often lacks this blend of gentleness (reserve) and strength.]
("gentle while strong") describes the blend of: insisting only on what is necessary (in God's eyes), and all that is necessary. This divinely-produced balance reveals "active submission" by the believer who responds to people, God's way.
I have much to say about you and much to judge, but he who sent me is true and I declare to the world what I have heard from him. John 8:26
From Jesus’ own testimony we learn in Matthew’s gospel he is ‘meek and humble in heart’. His invite is to come and learn from him His quality of meekness and humility. Our scripture today gives us a glimpse into the discipline Jesus exercised over his own will and speech. If there was ever a moment we would yield to - it would be when we felt the need to defend and justify ourselves, yet Jesus shows us here power under restraint.
From the Epistle of James we are reminded, “…if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” From Hebrews we find Jesus “learned obedience by the things he suffered”.
How do you learn to say ONLY what you are hearing from your Father? I think it starts by developing the ability to be slow to speak. My own opinions, unchallenged, leave opportunity for me to ultimately express them. Solomon’s wisdom stands us in good stead here -
‘In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking but he who restrains his lips is wise’,
Proverbs 10:19.
The psalmist cried ‘put a guard over my mouth, keep watch over the door of my lips!’ Ps. 141:3.
The flip side of slow to speak is quick to hear. Where I am unwilling to hear what he wants to say, I am unable to join with Him in His righteousness and justice.
From John chapter 8 we learn that Jesus had much to say and much to judge but the time was not in the moment he then stood. Take time to examine John 5:30 where Jesus displays the standard for righteous judgment. Rees Howell’s comment. “only the impartial can know the will God” has served to remind me of the many times I am personally guilty of holding opinions, and in some capacity, self-serving judgments.
The will to hear and obey; for true submission is only seen through the act of obedience, yields the fruit of righteousness where we are able to join with Jesus in only hearing and saying what we have heard the Father say - EVEN when we have many things to say and judge. This is the power of restraint and the quality of meekness,