Blessed are the Meek

In His famous Beatitudes Jesus included, "Blessed are the meek" (Matt 5:5) and we all nod and move on ... because, seriously, the meek?? They make good targets, perhaps, great doormats, indeed, but we really do not see "meek" as blessed.

What is "meek"? It's gentle, easily imposed on, submissive. It's docile, compliant, spiritless, tame. John Gill describes the meek as those "who are not easily provoked to anger; who patiently bear, and put up with injuries and affronts; carry themselves courteously, and affably to all; have the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; do not envy the gifts and graces of other men; are willing to be instructed and admonished, by the meanest of the saints; quietly submit to the will of God, in adverse dispensations of providence; and ascribe all they have, and are, to the grace of God." Albert Barnes says, "Meekness is the reception of injuries with a belief that God will vindicate us." Matthew Henry wrote, "The meek are those who quietly submit themselves to God, to His word and to His rod, who follow His directions, and comply with His designs, and are gentle towards all men (Titus 3:2); who can bear provocation without being inflamed by it; are either silent, or return a soft answer; and who can show their displeasure when there is occasion for it, without being transported into any indecencies; who can be cool when others are hot; and in their patience keep possession of their own souls, when they can scarcely keep possession of any thing else. They are the meek, who are rarely and hardly provoked, but quickly and easily pacified; and who would rather forgive twenty injuries than revenge one, having the rule of their own spirits."

In biblical language, the concept of "blessed" goes beyond a simple "happy" concept. You find the concept described in the famous blessing of Moses to Aaron.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. (Num 6:24-26)

The language here makes parallels out of "bless you" and "make His face to shine upon you." Conversely, then, to curse you would be to turn His face from you. When God makes His face to shine upon you, you are kept, He is gracious to you, and He gives you peace. Happy? Sure, but, oh, so much more. So, "Blessed are the meek." Or, "Those who patiently bear up, trusting in God, not elevating themselves, humbly submitting to the will of God, attributing all they have and are to His grace, those people enjoy the presence and grace and peace of God."

Tell me again why we don't much care for meekness?