Moses the Meek
The meekness of Moses is a prominent theme in the Old Testament, and it serves as a model of godly leadership for all people, regardless of their beliefs. Moses was a leader who exemplified meekness in his life and leadership. Despite his high position as the leader of the Israelites, Moses never sought to elevate himself or promote his own interests. Instead, he consistently put the needs of the people first and sought to serve God's purposes. His meekness was not a sign of weakness, but rather of great strength and humility.
Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness or passivity, but it is far more nuanced. Meekness is an attitude of gentleness, patience, and humility. It involves having a lowly and teachable spirit and being willing to submit to God's will and the needs of others. Meekness is a characteristic of a godly person. When we cultivate meekness, we develop an attitude of trust in God and humility towards others, which leads to a life of service and compassion.
Moses demonstrated his meekness in many ways throughout his life. One of the most significant examples is when the Israelites rebelled against God and worshipped the golden calf. Moses interceded for them and pleaded for God's mercy, even though the people had shown themselves to be unfaithful and disobedient. He did not become angry or seek revenge, but instead sought reconciliation and restoration. Moses understood that God's love and mercy were greater than the people's sins, and he was willing to stand in the gap for them.
Another example of Moses' meekness was when his father-in-law Jethro suggested a better way of organizing the people. Instead of becoming defensive or resistant to the idea, Moses listened and implemented the advice. Moses understood that he was not the sole source of wisdom or knowledge, and he was willing to learn from others.
Perhaps the most famous example of Moses' meekness was when God rebuked him for striking the rock instead of speaking to it. Moses accepted the correction and did not make excuses, even though he had led the Israelites for forty years and had performed many miracles. Moses trusted in God's sovereignty and submitted to His will, even when it was difficult to do so.
The meekness of Moses teaches us several important lessons. First, meekness is essential for effective leadership. Leaders who are meek are more likely to gain the trust and respect of their followers and to lead with wisdom and compassion. They are willing to put the needs of others first and to serve God's purposes, rather than their own. Second, meekness involves a willingness to listen and learn from others. It is a mark of maturity and humility to accept feedback and correction from others, even when it is difficult to hear. Leaders who are meek are willing to seek out the wisdom of others and to implement good ideas, even if they did not come up with them on their own. Third, meekness involves trusting in God's sovereignty and submitting to His will. When we recognize that God is in control and that His ways are higher than our ways, we are better able to trust Him and to follow His guidance.
In Matthew 5:5, Jesus says, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." This statement by Jesus highlights the importance of meekness in the life of a believer. Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of meekness. In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul writes, "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Jesus' meekness is seen in His willingness to humble Himself and serve others, even to the point of sacrificing His own life.
Like Moses, Jesus' meekness was not a sign of weakness, but rather of great strength and humility. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Jesus' gentleness and humility are not weaknesses, but rather sources of strength that allow Him to lead and serve others with love and compassion.
As we seek to cultivate meekness in our own lives, we can look to the example of Jesus and seek to imitate His character. Like Jesus, we can humble ourselves and serve others with love and compassion. We can also trust in God's sovereignty and submit to His will, even when it is difficult to do so. In doing so, we will find that our lives are filled with purpose, love, joy, and peace, and we will be able to make a positive impact on the world around us.
