05/04/2007 Sabbath Meeting Transcript

Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:4 - Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

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

Some promises to remember

To inherit the earth is indeed a great promise.

We spoke much in recent weeks about the promises to Abraham

We are called to be a humble people

A meek people

Not brash, loud or obnoxious.

Not arrogant-minded or drawing attention to ourselves

But meek

Meekness is an attitude that should naturally flow out of a man who is humble and thankful to Yahweh that He is a called disciple of Yahushua

It is no small thing, indeed to be called His disciple is an awesome honor! A disciple is one who is taught by Yahweh. To receive His teaching, we must be meek

For it is no small thing to be called His disciple. It is an awesome honor!

I would like to look at the scriptures this evening which deal with meekness, for it is an important characteristic of those who walk as Yahushua walked

I know of no scripture which says, "Thou shalt be meek"

Yet meekness should permeate through everything we do. Meekness is a kind of attitude, and a part of the personality of one who is humble

Meekness should be found in our conversation, our tone of voice, the way we look at others and how we react to someone doing wrong to us, or others.

Perhaps meekness is often most lacking in our own homes

Yet, often this is where it is needed the most!

For instance, when we feel our spouse or our children have wronged us or disrespected us, do we lash out?

Or do we have the meekness of Yahushua in us?

A home full of meek disciples of Yahushua will have no strife

So what should be our attitude toward others who might be sinning against us, opposing us or even hating us?

Let's look at one example of the meekness Moshe had when he met opposition:

Numbers 12:1 - And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.

Numbers 12:2 - And they said, Hath YAHWEH indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And YAHWEH heard it.

Note that Miriam and Aaron are members of Moshe's own family.

Here was an excellent opportunity for Moses to say something like, "Hey, Yahweh called me out of the burning bush..not you!".

But there is no record of him saying such a thing.

Why would that be?

We learn why when we read the next verse

Numbers 12:3 - (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

So Moshe was meekest of all men..

Perhaps this is the trait that Yahweh sought in a man to lead His people out of Egypt.

For Yahweh to be glorified, Moshe needed to remain meek.

He didn't need man standing in the way of Him getting the glory.

The one time he may have failed in meekness was when he failed to glorify and believe Yahweh by striking the rock. He paid dearly for it.

Getting back to this example in Numbers 12, Moshe didn't lash out or even speak up for himself. He simply let Yahweh take care of it.

Numbers 12:4 - And YAHWEH spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.

Numbers 12:5 - And YAHWEH came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.

Numbers 12:6 - And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I YAHWEH will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.

Numbers 12:7 - My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.

Numbers 12:8 - With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of YAHWEH shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

Numbers 12:9 - And the anger of YAHWEH was kindled against them; and he departed.

Numbers 12:10 - And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.

Yahweh didn't allow that ugly fruit of murmuring against Moshe to remain for long, for the moment Aaron and Miriam began to speak against Moshe.. Yahweh immediately took action

Moshe was given a great responsibility. With responsibility comes authority. Moshe's authority was being questioned

But we see... Moshe was meek

He had "died to self" and chose not to defend Himself. Yahweh did it for him.

This doesn't mean we can never speak a word to defend our actions, for Paul wrote much in his defense in 2 Corinthians and other places. Other times Yahushua spoke in his own defense.

But we need not always do so

If Miriam and Aaron were likewise meek, the situation would have never transpired to begin with.

Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit:

Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Galatians 5:23 - gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

"Gentleness" is translated "Meekness" in the King James:

Galatians 5:23 - Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

When Yahweh's Spirit is within us, meekness is there

Yahushua was full of the Spirit:

Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:29 - 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.

We are called to imitate Yahushua's example of meekness.

What is meekness?

In Hebrew it means to be 'poor, humble, lowly'.

And the Thayer's Greek lexicon says:

Sorry, the BDB Hebrew Lexicon says:

5BDB # 6035 `anav {aw-nawv'} or [by intermixture with 6041]`anayv {aw-nawv'}from 06031; TWOT - 1652a; n m AV - meek 13, humble 5, poor 5, lowly 2, vr meek 1; 26 1) poor, humble, afflicted, meek 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak and afflicted 1d) humble, lowly, meek

As a result our attitude will be one of gentleness and mildness.

This is not to be mistaken with weakness. Meekness is not weakness.

In fact, to have meekness we will often need to have great strength!

Proverbs 16:32 - He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Meekness is important if we ever expect to know the truths of Yahweh:

Psalms 25:8 - Good and upright is YAHWEH: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

Psalms 25:9 - The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

HalleluYAH!

Psalms 149:1 - Praise ye YAHWEH. Sing unto YAHWEH a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.

Psalms 149:2 - Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

Psalms 149:3 - Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

Psalms 149:4 - For YAHWEH taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

It is the meek that are beautified with salvation. Remember our humble & meek state when we first gave our lives to Yahweh?

Brethren, why should anything change?

Even so must our present state be!

But knowledge can puff up.

The end result can be battles for respect and honor among brethren, much like the disciples disputing "Who will be the greatest?"

But he who battles for that is not seeking honor in Yahweh's eyes.

For in Yahweh's eyes, the greatest one is the servant.. often the unknown and hidden ones among us.. quietly serving Him and the brethren

Mark 9:34 - But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.

Mark 9:35 - And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

Mark 9:36 - And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,

Mark 9:37 - Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

Mark 9:38 - And John answered him, saying, Rabbi, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

Mark 9:39 - But Yahushua said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

So the greatest of all are those who serve

Who is the greatest of all, is it not Yahweh the Father?

And is it not He who has served us by giving us great gifts, blessings and abundantly supplies our every need?

And was it not He who gave His only begotten Son for our sakes?

And does He not send rain on the unjust who despise Him?

Yet we know that He is the greatest of all, for He has served all of us in greater ways that we can even imagine.

When we pray, we ask Him to do for us.. and we declare His greatness

And He does for us what we ask, for He loves us and serves us.

Should we not do for Him also?

And should not our service to Him and to our fellow man be our goal in life?

For He who does, loves in deed!

So He who is greatest is not necessarily the one with the most knowledge, wisdom, or revelations, but He who serves. For He who serves applies the wisdom given

Therefore the good news of Yahushua is to the meek::

Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Master YAHWEH is upon me; because YAHWEH hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Who were the ones that rejected Yahushua?

And who were the ones who receive Him?

The meek disciples were chosen even though there might have been more learned men for Yahushua to choose.

One of them said:

Luke 5:8 - When Simon Kepha saw it, he fell down at Yahushua' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O master.

Yahushua gave this man the keys.

Matthew 16:18 - And I say also unto thee, That thou art Kepha, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 16:19 - And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

It is the meek that Yahweh can use for great things!

Those who lacked meekness also lacked the ears to hear His words. What truths might we be lacking because of our lack of meekness?

Yahushua said:

Matthew 13:9 - Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Matthew 13:10 - And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

Matthew 13:11 - He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

Matthew 13:12 - For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

Matthew 13:13 - Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Matthew 13:14 - And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

A very sad thing indeed

1Corinthians 1:26 - For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

1Corinthians 1:27 - But YAHWEH hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and YAHWEH hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

1Corinthians 1:28 - And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath YAHWEH chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

Why?

1Corinthians 1:29 - That no flesh should glory in his presence.

And so we know why Yahushua said:

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

An awesome promise indeed! HalleluYah! :) But this wasn't a new promise. Yahushua was quoting the Psalm

Psalms 37:9 - For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon YAHWEH, they shall inherit the earth.

Psalms 37:10 - For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

Psalms 37:11 - But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

It is the meek that Yahweh will save:

Psalms 147:6 - YAHWEH lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.

We might get the sense through reading all the scriptures on this subject that the meek are among those who have been treated unfairly, or have been wronged.. but trusted in Yahweh to take care of things.

How many men of Yahweh in scripture could we name that were falsely accused and treated wrongly?

It would be a very long list indeed.

In many cases, we see that Yahweh takes vengeance on behalf of the meek:

Isaiah 11:4 - But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

Yahweh is willing to take up the cause of those who commit everything to Him

Isaiah 29:18 - And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.

Isaiah 29:19 - The meek also shall increase their joy in YAHWEH, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 29:20 - For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:

In the following verse we see that meekness is something that we should be seeking:

Zephaniah 2:3 - Seek ye YAHWEH, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of YAHWEH's anger.

So many beautiful promises for the meek!

Yahweh, who sees that the meek are often those who have been wronged, will hide the meek from judgment.

Indeed, it often isn't until we have been wronged that meekness of heart is made manifest.

I've thought that maybe Yahweh saves the meek, in part because He would not want to heap trouble on those who have had plenty. For they would not need the lesson of meekness taught to them

But what do we make of examples such as Stephen boldly accusing the Sanhedrin?

Acts 7:51 - Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye.

Acts 7:52 - Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

Acts 7:53 - Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

And again Yahushua's example:

Matthew 23:33 - Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

Both Yahushua and Stephen were speaking to very wicked, bloodthirsty men with innocent blood on their hands in many ways

Matthew 23:34 - Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:

Matthew 23:35 - That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

Their evil deeds were in need of exposure. His bold statements were needful to humble the prideful men through cutting right to their heart with truth.

But among the brethren..

1Thessalonians 2:5 - For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; YAHWEH is witness:

1Thessalonians 2:6 - Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of the Messiah.

1Thessalonians 2:7 - But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

1Thessalonians 2:8 - So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of YAHWEH only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

And so it ought to be among us.

Meekness is very much expected of women in the faith, and is very precious in Yahweh's eyes:

1Peter 3:1 - Wives, likewise, [be] submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,

1Peter 3:2 - when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.

What a testimony to the power of meekness! Winning souls mind you!

1Peter 3:3 - Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel--

1Peter 3:4 - rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of YAHWEH.

The KJV in verse 4 reads:

1 Peter 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of Elohim of great price.

The word translated Meekness means "mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meekness"

Clamour, loudness and boisterousness is NOT of His spirit

Do we desire to know righteous judgement? Do we desire to know Yahweh's ways?

To the meek this is given:

Psalms 25:9 - The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

Psalms 25:10 - All the paths of YAHWEH are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Blessed promises to the meek of the earth

I can say that I have received some precious jewels of wisdom from meek women of Yahweh who knew and loved their humble place in submission and holiness

Many times, they are the most spiritually minded.. and will enter the kingdom before many men who might get more attention in this age.

Consider and study the examples of the holy women of old. They were often bowing and humbling themselves before others. Ruth is a good example of that.

They were precious in Yahweh's eyes

Let it be so among the handmaidens of Yahweh in this age of "Women's lib" and "Equal rights". Trust in Yahweh and let Him be your hiding place and rock in the day of trouble.

All of heaven will be with you

Now if we see a brother who is in sin, how should we approach him?

What should our attitude be?

Too often, it is harsh correction and "got you!" kind of rebuke.

But scripture says:

Galatians 6:1 - Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

Galatians 6:2 - Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of the Messiah.

Galatians 6:3 - For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Must we be brash and cold toward those that oppose us?

Must we insult and intimidate those who oppose us?

Scripture says:

2Timothy 2:24 - And the servant of YAHWEH must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

2Timothy 2:25 - In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if YAHWEH peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

2Timothy 2:26 - And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Brethren, let's never forget that we were pulled out of the miry pit ourselves.. deceived souls who were given the grace of Yahweh

So let's keep the same humility that brought us salvation.

Yahushua called out many to Himself, yet He was a meek man. Perhaps the people were expecting a bold and harsh man, but He was meek:

Matthew 21:5 - Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.

Perhaps they were expecting a grand entrance and procession of riches.

He was bold alright, but maybe not in the way they expected.

Here He was, the King of all Kings... the Master of all the earth.. entering Jerusalem on a donkey

To all we must also be meek:

Titus 3:1 - Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

Titus 3:2 - To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

Titus 3:3 - For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

See, we were as them at one time

Let's show them the blessedness of Yahushua's meekness

And not become arrogant because we children of the King

But thankful that Yahweh called us out of this world and it's darkness

Titus 3:4 - But after that the kindness and love of YAHWEH our Saviour toward man appeared,

Titus 3:5 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Set-apart Spirit;

Titus 3:6 - Which he shed on us abundantly through Yahushua ha Mashiach our Saviour;

So when we reach out to others, should we be full of wrath and a closed ear?

James 1:19 - So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

James 1:20 - for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of YAHWEH.

James 1:21 - Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

James 1:22 - But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Slow to speak, swift to hear..

When we speak many words, how can we really hear?

Do we dominate most conversations?

Often, the dominators are the proud and the quiet ones are the meek.

But not always

May Yahweh help us receive the word with meekness

Sharing the word in meekness often provokes meekness in the hearers

I've found it to be true that when we are swift to hear others--even those who do oppose the truth--it is only then that they will respect us enough to listen what comes out of our own mouth.

And you never know, you just might learn something too!

To think that we can't learn from someone else is often based on pride.

With this, how can we possess the wisdom from above?

James 3:13 - Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct [that] his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

James 3:14 - But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

James 3:15 - This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

James 3:16 - For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

James 3:17 - But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

James 3:18 - Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

If we desire to sow the seed which produces the fruit of righteousness, let's sow it in shalom/peace.

Too often, the word is being crammed down another's throat.

But such a seed falls into hard-packed ground and rarely grows

Sow in gentleness, in peace.. that the fruit of righteousness might truly grow

Many will speak against us...

To which we may defend

But in what way?

1Peter 3:15 - But set apart YAHWEH in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

With meekness and.... FEAR!

1Peter 3:16 - having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in the Messiah may be ashamed.

1Peter 3:17 - For it is better, if it is the will of YAHWEH, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Why should we be fearful when sharing things with others?

Lest we become like Job's friends:

Job 42:7 - And it was so, that after YAHWEH had spoken these words unto Job, YAHWEH said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.

We must be careful to speak of Him the thing that is right. Let our mouth be filled with His words

1Peter 4:11 - If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of YAHWEH. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which YAHWEH supplies, that in all things YAHWEH may be glorified through Yahushua the Messiah, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever.

Proverbs 30:5 - Every word of Eloah is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Proverbs 30:6 - Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

His word is a better teacher than any eloquence of men.

For this reason I do seek to fill my own studies with it.

The focus in the first century was "the word"

Acts 6:7 - And the word of YAHWEH increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Acts 4:29 - And now, YAHWEH, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

Acts 8:4 - Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Acts 8:14 - Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of YAHWEH, they sent unto them Kepha and John:

Acts 11:1 - And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of YAHWEH.

Acts 12:24 - But the word of YAHWEH grew and multiplied.

Acts 17:11 - These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Yahushua is the good shepherd, the word of Yahweh that can produce change.

May Yahweh have mercy on me if I have ever spoken contrary to His word

We should all ask ourselves:

Do we want the wrath of Yahweh kindled against us for not speaking something that was right?

Do we want to inherit the earth? (Let it be so!)

Do we want to be taught the ways of Yahweh?

Do we want to avoid temptation?

Do we want salvation?

Do we want to bring others to the knowledge of the truth?

Do we want Yahweh to make right all the wrongs that have been done to us?

Do we want to be filled with His Spirit and bear the fruits thereof?

Do we want to be hid in the day of Yahweh's anger?

and...

Do we want to be like Yahushua!?!?

Then, my brethren, let's renew ourselves where we must to overcome any and all wrath, vengeance, pride and strife.

Let's allow Yahushua's meekness flow through us. For when we do this, we can receive all the promises that Yahweh promises to those who seek and walk in meekness.

May pure love, patience, gentleness and meekness from Yahweh rest upon all of you, servants of the Most High.

And may Yahweh bless you and have mercy on us all (I need it)!