From a Sturdy Down-low Position

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.  Matthew 5:5

Meekness (gentleness, humility, consideration, courtesy) is applying the poverty of spirit and repentance to people too.  It is one thing to humble oneself in the sight of the LORD, it is another step to walk humbly in and around and about people- who first of all are very tangible and in-my-face and second of all, often do not respond with grace to my baby steps of meekness. 

Oddly enough, David Brooks wrote about meek politicians today in his New York Times editorial.  He says that some of these sorts quietly walk the halls of power.  Citing Trollope he says, “They are reserved, prudent and scrupulous.  They immerse themselves in dull practical questions like, say, converting the currency system.” 

Meek is one of those words quietly at work in the heart of some of the great how-to-live verses: Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, said Christ. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. 

And is part of the definition of wisdom: Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth... This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits.

Funny, I just got an image of the girls playing basketball in high school.  All of their coaches were really into getting them to bend their knees, get down low.  This gave them not only agility to make quick reactions, but also, bent knees and a down-low position made it very difficult for others to knock you about, there is a sturdiness about the position.  You are still there at the end of the game.  

Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 

Inherit the earth.