West Elk Wilderness, Colorado
Have you ever just sat and watched a horse? Have you ever rode a well-trained horse? They are magnificent creatures. Such strength, such power but even more amazing is the self-control of a well-trained horse. Allowing a person to sit on-top of its back is not natural for a horse but a well-trained horse gladly succumbs to the demands of his master, using his strength, speed, and agility as the masters commands.
The ancient Greeks had a word to describe this behavior, the behavior of a well-trained horse, it was praus. Praus has been translated in English to meek. The old English often used the term “meeking a horse”. Meeking a horse did not mean to to strip the power from a horse but rather to harness the horse’s power from a state of wild independence to one of loyalty so that the horse could be used as the master of the horse intended.
In the gospel of Matthew we see the gospel writer translate Jesus’s words (likely spoken in Aramaic) into ancient Greek. During Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount the word “praus” is mentioned as a characteristic of those that will inherit the earth. Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) Today many people think the word “meek” in this New Testimony writing describes a person that is that is week and submissive to everyone.
In light of the meaning of the ancient Greek word “praus” or “meek” what is meant by “blessed are the meek”? I think it is best to look at the life of Jesus. Saint Paul uses the word “praus” when he speaks of “the meekness and gentleness of Christ…” (2 Corinthians 10:1). Christ was “meek” in that he was submissive to the will of his heavenly father at all times.
When Jesus calmed the sea (Matthew 8:23-27), he certainly was exuding tremendous outward power but he was still meek as he was doing the will of his heavenly father.
When Jesus confronted the people wanting to stone the adulteress (John 8: 1-11) he demonstrated tremendous compassion and courage but he was still meek as he was doing the will of his heavenly father.
When Jesus restrained his outward strength, actually demonstrating great inward strength, by being beaten and humiliated and dying on a cross. He was still meek doing the will of his heavenly father.
Are you meek? Are you submitting your intelligence, your strength, your power, all of your talents; and even your weaknesses, to do the will of your heavenly father?