THE MEEKNESS OF CHRIST

Devotion #9 of 13

"I am meek and lowly in heart" -- Jesus

LOWLY IN HEART Not generally applied to Jesus

The word "lowly" is not ordinarily applied to Christ. It speaks of humility, abasement, and condescension. In our case, it involves the subduing of pride. Often, it is used to describe humiliation itself, and even divine judgment (see Matt 18:4; 23:12; Lk 1:52; 3:5; 14:11; 18:14; Rom 2:16; 2 Cor 7:6; 10:1; 11:7; 12:21; Phil 4:12; James 1:9; 4:6,10; 1 Pet 5:5,6). In Christ, however, the word finds a unique meaning.

Philippians 2:5-6

A perspective of the lowliness of Christ is developed in the second chapter of Philippians. This is a hallmark text, summoning us into the arena of divine contemplation. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Phil 2:5-8). The extent of Christ's condescension has challenged the most prodigious thinkers of our race. He "emptied Himself" of the very prerogatives of Deity, entering this world in utter dependence upon His Father--a remarkable circumstance! I never grow tired of coming into this citadel of thought. In our case, we are often made humble through chastening. When we humble ourselves, we are acknowledging truth--there is no basis for exalting ourselves. However, with Jesus, there was every reason for Him to be exalted. Through Him all things were created (Heb 1:2). What is more, they were all created "for Him" (Col 1:16). He is actually the "Head over all things," and they are all maintained in a state of orderliness by Him and for Him (Col 1:17). Yet, Jesus voluntarily "humbled Himself," becoming "lowly in heart." From the standpoint of provision, Christ did this to die; to furnish a basis for God's acceptance of us. When Jesus took away our sin, it allowed God to receive and bless every person that comes to Him through the Son. From the standpoint of our present subject (the meekness of Christ), Jesus became accessible to us when He humbled Himself. His lowliness puts Him within reach of every one of us. Though, by nature, He is high above us, He has stooped to save us! He did not "stoop" in the sense of pity, but in divine objectivity; He WANTS to save us! He wants to teach us! He has made Himself available to us because it is His nature to do so. "I AM meek and lowly of heart," NOT, "I BECAME meek and lowly . . . " In Christ, the Scripture is fulfilled; "From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:26-27, NIV).

A friendly disposition

"Lowly in heart" describes a friendly disposition toward those with whom Jesus is identified--humanity. He is NOT "lowly in heart" toward angels. Nor, indeed, is He "lowly in heart" toward Satan, the powers of darkness, or those loving darkness rather than light. But for those stricken with a sense of guilt and need, Jesus is approachable--yea, more than approachable! He DESIRES to be approached by such, and thus has come within range of their touch! He is "meek and lowly in heart."

Encouragement for comers

Jesus encourages those inclined to Him. "All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:38-40). The heavenly agenda includes the unreserved acceptance of everyone that comes to Christ. They will not be cast away--from any perspective! Jesus came to carry out the Father's will in this regard, determined to lose nothing that had been given to Him--including you! Eternal life now, and a favorable resurrection, await all that perceive the Son and believe on Him. Truly, He is "meek and lowly in heart."

In heart, not in action

There is significance in this statement: "lowly in HEART." Not merely lowly in action, or lowly in deed, but "lowly in HEART." He is able to be "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Heb 4:15). Mark it well, not only does salvation involve OUR hearts, it also involves the heart of Christ. He is "lowly in heart." Those enamored of Law, often called "legalists," do not see this aspect of Jesus. Such view Christ preeminently as a Lawgiver. Indeed, He is a Lawgiver. As it is written, "There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?" (James 4:12). But Jesus is a saving Lawgiver, not a condemning One--a new concept! Again, it is written, "For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our Lawgiver, the LORD is our King; He will save us" (Isa 33:22). Truly, He is "meek and lowly in heart," devoted to, and able to fully accomplish, our salvation. The greatness of this truth is scarcely known among the churches! One of the greatest services you can render is to make it known.

-- TOMORROW: A STRONG APPEAL --