MEEKNESS (PRAUS): THE WAY OF JESUS - by Karena Lout
Last Saturday, we continued our journey through the beatitudes focusing on “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matt.5:5 I can’t imagine how transformative this must have been for those hearing Jesus’ message. They were under Roman oppression so they only saw dominance and aggression as a means to gain authority. But Jesus was completely opposite. He didn’t assert his power. He used his power to heal and to love (and He still does today!) “His gift of grace is in direct opposition to the vanity of the proud mindset of self effort, whereby people strive to prove themselves superior to others. Gift and reward are opposites. Humility attracts grace.” James 4:6 (Mirror) The Greek word for meekness is Praus, used to describe a warhorse that was trained for battle. They had immense strength, power and courage in complete obedience to the rider. A warhorse is calm under pressure. Praus is trusting God’s ways and not forcing our own. It is not passive or timid but having se...