Sunday, November 11, 2007

November 12: THE RADICAL KINGDOM #3

The radical nature of life in the Kingdom of God becomes even more counter-culture when we come to the third principle, found in Matthew 5:5: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” There is no society in the world that exalts meekness. No one teaches their children to be meek. Yet, Jesus made meekness a quality of life in the Kingdom of God.
Let’s get this clear right away: meekness does not mean soft, weak, spineless, or ineffective. Some of the most recognizable names in the Bible were described as being meek in nature. For instance, Abraham, Moses, Joseph, and David.
“To be congratulated are the meek”! What does the word mean? Obviously not what people think now. Literally it means a wild animal that has been brought under control. It has not lost its strength, it is now controlled power. Or, better said, under God’s control, because self-control is impossible. There is a true humility here that banishes the need for ego and pride. This quality can make you a world-changer. Those who are out-of-control or self-controlled often hurt people; not so those who have surrendered control to Christ.
Those who are in this state of meekness or God-controlled are those who stand when others around them are falling. Spiritual poverty and convicted mourning (that we have considered the last two days) ushers in faith submission to God and childlike obedience to His will. You have become a “redirected you”.
You are now ready to receive all of God’s best for you. Some assert their pride of race, some their pride of power, some their pride of knowledge but these “meek” assert their total need of and dependence on Jesus Christ.
When your power or strength is given over to be handled by the Son of God you are a refined instrument that He can use to better the world.

“Help us not to be afraid of this new lifestyle, Mighty God, that we might
experience the power of Your Holy Spirit and be controlled by You. Amen”

1 comment:

Devin said...

Mr Chilton,

My name is Devin. I am writing to you because my great- grandmother, Amelia Wharton, formerly, Amelia Hunter was a leader of the Victory Leader's Band with the Church of God. The church was located on Ferry Road in Stafford, VA. She saw your add in the Free Lance- Star and thought that you had been one of her "VLB's." She asked me to contact you to find out if you are the same Charlie Chilton.

This is really important to my great- grandmother. If you could please respond I would be very appreciative.

Thank you,

Devin Hunter