THE BEATITUDES (continued)
Continuing with the second Beatitude brings us to another one where there is much differing opinion concerning its meaning. As stated in the last post, definition plays an important part in understanding a Beatitude or anything else. We need to know what was meant by a word in its usage and, as we know, many words have several different meanings, sometimes even contradictory ones. Understanding the intent is made ever more difficult when we are reading a translation; especially a translation of an ancient language.
◊Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Who is it that mourns and what does it mean. Beginning as we did for the first Beatitude we start with the definitions as they appear in various texts. From the lexicon we find that mourn, in the context before us, is simply that; to mourn for or to lament one. By dictionary definition mourn is to express or to feel grief or sorrow; to grieve; to be sorrowful; to lament; to be in a state of grief or sadness* which is very straightforward but no reason in itself to be blessed. The biblical definition from Strong’s is similar and stated as to mourn and grieve (over)***. So what does this Beatitude mean? To some it means as it says; that when we are mourning or grieving for someone or thing that we are blessed in our mourning. To others it is deeper and means that when we are down and out, when our troubles are overwhelming us, we turn to God. Saying this otherwise; when we are downtrodden and troubles abound and we are mourning our state we turn to God and in turning we are blessed; in turning to God we will be comforted. Now this seems much more in line with what Jesus would have been saying but….
Remembering that we are spiritual beings and not this form and this personality, let us look at this from a different perspective. Under what conditions of mourning would the Lord call us blessed and promise that we would be comforted? His command to us is that we strive to enter at the strait gate and His caution to us is in his command: “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able” (Luke 13:24). The Lord also says elsewhere “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:14). It is in the context of both these sayings there is the reason to mourn. That we are striving to enter and that we see the difficulty of letting go of all to enter into the Kingdom is the cause for our spiritual mourning. The light of life is shining through into our hearts and we see it and can feel it but we cannot make it a reality because we are in this world and, though trying to overcome it, this world is taking up our time and our attention. So we strive and we mourn the fact that we are not successful. But we are blessed and comforted (strengthened; consoled; encouraged)* by the Lord for our effort; for our striving.
This a condition worthy of mention by the Lord and worthy of His blessing and worthy of His comforting.
Continuing to the third Beatitude:
◊Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Here we have another word that is misunderstood in its context. In modern terms meek is defined as humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others. overly submissive or compliant; spiritless; tame*!*. not very Christ like or worthy of praise and blessing. Older definitions say that meek is mild of temper; not easily provoked or irritated; patient under injuries; not vain, or haughty, or resentful; forbearing; submissive* In a secular spiritual sense meek is: Appropriately humble, in an evangelical sense; submissive to the divine will; not proud, self-sufficient or refractory; not peevish and apt to complain of divine dispensations.* The older definitions seem much more in line with the intent than is the modern usage of this word. The Greek Lexicon says that meek is mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness; meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting**. Strong’s defines meek as gentle, meek, the positive moral quality of dealing with people in a kind manner, with humility and consideration***. Now these biblical definitions do give more understanding of what is meant by Jesus in this saying but are we to be blessed and inherit the earth for just being good people; for being mild and for not resisting God’s dealings with us if we can even define what they may be?
Again, understanding that we are spirit and not carnal. That, as we have discussed in previous posts, it is by attending to our spiritual selves that we change our heart which is our display of who and what we are. From this perspective how can we define meek?
Meek is for our purpose here defined as Positive Harmlessness. A quality by which we know that we are capable of doing and saying and believing whatever we want to but as we strive toward the Kingdom we think and know better than to follow the ways of the world; we attend to the ways of the Spirit. We can say things that offend but we do not. We can put things in motion that hurt others but we do not. We can believe we are better or more able that the next person but we do not. We live our lives in accordance with the Word and we resist passions and desires; we resist anger and hate and we resist lusts and greed. This is being meek.
Throughout the gospels are examples of meekness on the part of Jesus. He could have called legions of Angels but He did not. He could have avoided His destiny on the cross but He did not. He was bold and courageous in His dealings with the Pharisees and could have done anything to them and among them but He did not. He only told them of the error of their ways. In His words to them all He says “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
Let us strive to be like the Master.
Note on the Quote of the Day
This daily blog also has a Quote of the Day which may not be in any way related to the essay. Many of these will be from the Bible and some just prayers or meditations that may have an influence on you and are in line with the subject matter of this blog. As the quote will change daily and will not store with the post, it is repeated in this section with the book reference and comment.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17) Today’s quote is a testament to the fact that all good things come from God; from the Father and from the God within. This is also a testament to the fact that GOD IS. There is no changing for this person or the next; all good gifts come from the Father and are for all who are willing to accept them and to take them.
- * Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary, 1828 and 1913
- ** from praus New Testament Greek Lexicon on BibleStudyTools.com
- *** Strongest Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible – 2001
- *!* Dictionary.com Unabridged based on Random House Dictionary – 2011
