Praying Friends,
As we continue with the believer’s clothing in Colossians 3, it is good to remember that it is God who provides each item of apparel. He supplies the clothes, but our responsibility is to put them on.
He says, “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12 NIV).
The clothing of gentleness is essentially meekness, a word deep and rich with meaning. Let’s consider three details about meekness:
Firstly, meekness is a sign of true strength. Many have the false impression that meekness is weakness, associating it with a lack of courage and ability. Nothing could be further from the truth. True meekness implies restraint in the face of provocation.
When the Roman soldiers came to arrest Jesus in Gethsemane, He exhibited meekness. He said, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53). He had the strength, but He restrained Himself.
Later, as they were hurling false accusations at Him, Mark says, “But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer” (Mark 14:61). The same One who spoke and the universe came into existence, remained silent. The One who called out over the stormy waters of Galilee and they became calm, remained silent. The One who called into an open grave and Lazarus who was dead for four days, came out, remained silent. That is true meekness!
Secondly, meekness is an act of faith, where one relies upon God for the result, rather than rushing forward with immediate combative impulses.
Very often when we are provoked in some way, we tend to retaliate in kind. If yelled at, we yell back. If accused of a wrong we did not do, we are quick to answer back with strong abrasive words. It is normal and natural, but it is not spiritual.
Remember what is said of Moses? “Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3 ESV). In Numbers 12, Aaron and Miriam challenged Moses’ leadership because of his marriage. Instead of lashing back at them, Moses left the situation with God.
When the LORD heard their words of complaint, He separated them and His judgment fell on Miriam, and she became leprous. Instead of letting her die a lonely death, Moses cried out to the LORD on her behalf for healing (Numbers 12:13). Instead of Moses delighting in Miriam’s plight, he interceded on her behalf. This is true meekness.
Thirdly, meekness involves surrendering to the truth of God. Having a willingness to listen and obey God’s Word when our natural desires may be otherwise, is meekness.
The Apostle James tells the believers not to be angry because it doesn’t produce the righteousness of God. Then he continues, “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21 ESV).
God has planted His Word in our hearts, and to live by its truths is true meekness.
Richard Wurmbrand, a Romanian pastor who lived from 1909–2001 is a great example of true meekness. He was imprisoned and tortured for his faith under Communist rule.
Wurmbrand was brutally beaten, starved, and isolated for 14 years in prison. Despite extreme provocation, he did not return evil for evil but instead prayed for his captors and even testified of God’s love to them (Matthew 5:44).
Though he suffered unimaginable cruelty, he remained steadfast in his faith and never renounced Christ. He had the inner strength to endure suffering without hatred or revenge.
After his release, Wurmbrand did not harbor resentment. Instead, he founded The Voice of the Martyrs to help persecuted Christians worldwide, demonstrating the meekness of Christ.
May God give each of us help to be truly meek. Thank you for praying for our prodigals and for revival.
Love in Christ,
Bryan and Rachel
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