Blessed are the meek.......

This being Super Bowl weekend, it is hard to decide which of the beatitudes are the direct opposite of the over-the-top craziness which is this last week of the NFL.  Blessed are the meek has to be a front runner (my alternate choice is blessed are the poor in spirit....)

Meek is the last work we would use to describe any of the men who make their living playing professional football.  I was reading an article this week about one player who was caught on tape (the ultimate faux pas) being outrageous, ridiculous, and at moments incoherent.  The author noted that this man (like all the others who play his position) had to be a warrior in order to enter the fray of this physically destructive 'sport' and sometimes warriors get a little crazy.

OK, back to the meek.  The American tendency is to equate meek = weak.  Doormat.  Walter Mitty.  Mice. Cowards.  Meek is not what any American wants to be called.  So we need to ask, What did Jesus mean by 'being meek'?  Perhaps we are missing something here because Jesus promises that they will inherit the earth.....and that surely sounds like a good thing.

A great deal of what Jesus teaches is about power and how it is used in this world.  He speaks of political power (John 18) and economic power (Lazarus at the rich man's gate Luke 16) and relational power (see Matthew 5: marriage and enemies) and religious power (healing of the crippled woman Luke 13). Jesus is not fond of folks who use their power to make the lives of someone else miserable.  Using power to get more for yourself, no matter how you define 'more' is the antithesis to being a neighbor or a brother or even a friend.  Using power to secure your position is the perfect example of counting yourself more worthy than the other. And there is no way you can Love God. Love your Neighbor. if you are busy ignoring someone's humanity in order to use them as your stepping stone.

Jesus takes a different road.  He refuses to play by this world's rules.  He refuses to strike back.  He refuses to destroy the humanity of the one who is destroying him.  Jesus chooses meekness.

Jesus does not hesitate.  He does not run away when the situation gets hot.  Speaking the truth, Jesus holds up to the light the actions of the oppressors, and calls them to choose truth and  love over power.  Jesus prays for his enemies as much as he prays for himself and his followers.  Jesus allows his own death for the sake of those who are killing him.

Jesus is meek, but it takes an enormous degree of courage to be that strong.  Follow this Jesus and along with him, you too shall inherit the earth.....no matter how awful today might look.