Our study of Jesus’ Beatitudes brings us, on this coming World Communion Sunday, to Jesus’ teaching, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” The Greek word praus translated “meek” here is the same one Jesus uses for himself in Matthew 11:29 where he says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle (praus) and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” I find the translation “gentle” which implies self-control and strength, to be more helpful than “meek” which suggests simple weakness and powerlessness. Eric Kobell in his book What Jesus Meant says, “Simply stated: biblical meekness is quiet perseverance in the face of brute rage; it is our staunch refusal either to lay down in submission or to rise up in violence before those forces that oppress us.” I invite you to think about that.
Click on the titled to listen to Pastor Ernie’s message, “Blessed are the Gentle”
