Paul: A model of Meekness
Paul instructed Timothy to pursue meekness 1 Timothy 6:11. Timothy was to pursue meekness. He was not to rest until he had enriched his character with this priceless virtue.
Paul was meek. But was he weak? When on the Isle of Malta, he shook a deadly viper from his wrist as men gasped in wonder. When dragged into court, he glared at his persecutors and said, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall!” Acts 23:3. When, in jail, the jailers discovered he was a Roman citizen and tried to release him secretly, Paul said, “Oh, no, you don’t! You put me in here publicly and you’re going to let me out publicly. Go get the mayor, the city council and Ted Koppel. Then let me out!” He was meek. But he was anything but weak.
Jesus: Meek, But Not Weak
Or consider Christ Jesus our Lord, who said, “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: Matthew 11:29.
See the Son of God as He invades the temple with a whip of cords, His eyes blazing with righteous indignation, crying, “It is written, ’…My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers’” Matthew 21:13.
Hear Him rebuke the Pharisees: “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?” Matthew 23:33
Watch as Roman guards slap His face and Mock Him, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Matthew 27:29. He does not revile them in return, but bears insult with dignity.
Listen to the cat o’ nine tails slash through the air, ripping His back to shreds. Look to Calvary, where He willingly lets His hands and feet be nailed to the cursed cross.
See Him now, seated at the right hand of God the Father, the ultimate position of power in all the cosmos. When He returns to the earth, He will rule the nations with a rod of iron. He is meek. But He is anything but weak.
Source: Being Happy in an Unhappy World
MATTHEW 5:5
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