8 Steps to Righteousness by Faith, #3: Rebirth
The Third Beatitude – Favored (Blessed) Are the Meek, for They Shall Inherit the Kingdom
The Interpretation
Our old nature can be described as one of pride and ego. However, rebirth in Christ transforms us into a new character that can be described as meek. Those who reveal the meek and lowly spirit of Christ are tenderly regarded by God. They may be looked upon with scorn by the world, but they are of great value in His sight.
The normal problems we encounter in life can be greatly reduced by the meekness that hides itself in Christ. If we possess the meekness and humility of Jesus, we can rise above the slights, the rebuffs, and the annoyances that we are exposed to every day, and those things won’t cast a gloom over our spirit. Meek does not mean weak; just the opposite—meek is strong, strength displayed in a context of humility.
The Relationship to Daniel and Revelation
Daniel chapter 4:28 tells of a time in the past when the proud and haughty King Nebuchadnezzar was humiliated by God because of his arrogance. After seven years of assuming an "animal-like" mental and physical nature, King Nebuchadnezzar experienced a rebirth. As he surrendered his pride and ego, he lifted his eyes to heaven, and his understanding (mentality) returned to him. He blessed the Most High and praised and honored God, who lives forever.
Revelation chapter 6, a time in the future, repeats the theme of God’s people being meek at the time of judgment, when the seven seals are opened. Revelation chapter 6 goes on to provide more expanded information about the meek (God’s remnant church) as it gives a deeper understanding of justice and judgment to come.
It’s a strange picture because the opening of the seven seals concludes with God’s people begging that the mountains and rocks will hide them from God, who sits upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb (Jesus). Revelation makes clear that, although Christ defers punishment, there will come a time when His patience is exhausted. Jesus is a long-suffering God; however, when His righteous anger is aroused, look out, because He will break forth in all the fury of His wrath. The bottom line is, Jesus says, “Vengeance is mine.” He will fight the fight; it is not for us to do. Our job is simply to be meek as a by-product of rebirth.
The Teaching Point for Living the Grace Today
Meek represents the converted character of those seeking rebirth through righteousness by faith. This new Christian character change is exemplified by:
- Non-retaliation
- Thankfulness
- Joy
Note: The first two steps to righteousness by faith, awareness and abandonment respectively, have to do with behavior. However, step three, rebirth, takes us to the next level: character development.
Discussion Questions
Christians can often misinterpret being meek, along with the "turn the other cheek" verse we find in the same Beatitude sermon on the mount. But don’t get it twisted! Being meek does not mean keeping quiet when we see injustices take place in the world around us, or simply sitting back and taking abuse in our families, in our church, and in our world. Being meek is the character change that results from spiritual rebirth.
- What areas in our lives do we give the most pushback to on being meek?
- Does being meek mean being weak?
- How does experiencing rebirth defuse anger and resentment?