Topical Bible: The Joy of God Over his People: On Account of Their: Meekness

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Introduction

The concept of meekness is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, often associated with humility, gentleness, and a submissive spirit to God's will. Meekness is not weakness; rather, it is strength under control, a quality that reflects a heart aligned with God's purposes. The joy of God over His people is profoundly connected to their meekness, as it signifies a disposition that is receptive to His guidance and grace.

Biblical Foundation

Meekness is a virtue that is highly esteemed in Scripture. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). This statement underscores the value God places on meekness, promising a future reward for those who embody this trait. The meek are those who trust in the Lord and submit to His authority, demonstrating a spirit of humility and patience.

God's Joy in Meekness

1. Meekness as a Reflection of Christ's Character

Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of meekness. In Matthew 11:29, He invites us to "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" . The joy of God is evident in His Son, who perfectly exemplified meekness throughout His earthly ministry. As believers conform to the image of Christ, their meekness brings joy to God, reflecting His Son's character in the world.

2. Meekness and Divine Favor

The Scriptures reveal that God delights in those who are meek. Psalm 149:4 states, "For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the afflicted with salvation" . The term "afflicted" can be understood as those who are humble or meek. God's joy is in bestowing His favor and salvation upon those who approach Him with a meek spirit, acknowledging their dependence on Him.

3. Meekness and Inheritance

The promise of inheriting the earth is a testament to the joy God finds in the meek. This inheritance is not merely a future hope but a present reality of living under God's blessing and provision. The meek, by their nature, are content and trust in God's timing and provision, which brings joy to the heart of God as they live in harmony with His will.

4. Meekness and Peace

Meekness fosters peace and unity among God's people, which is a source of joy for the Lord. Ephesians 4:2-3 encourages believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" . The meek contribute to the peace and unity of the body of Christ, reflecting God's kingdom on earth.

Conclusion

The joy of God over His people is intricately linked to their meekness. This quality, exemplified by Christ and esteemed throughout Scripture, brings delight to the Lord as it reflects a heart surrendered to His will and a life lived in harmony with His purposes. Through meekness, believers not only inherit the earth but also experience the profound joy of living in God's favor and peace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 149:4
For the LORD takes pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Nativity of John the Baptist the First Sermon
... what marvellings and lamentations there will be over that which ... birth takes place,
there is such great joy of heart ... May God preserve all, so that none may be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon x on the nativity.htm

On Patience
... despising our sufferings, making little of them, passing over them lightly ... gives
not only of the peace and joy, but of the hope and love, which God works in ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 83 on patience.htm

Pricked in their Heart
... when he says, "Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord ... that at the right hand of God
our Lord ... of heaven's trumpets, which proclaims him head over principalities and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/pricked in their heart.htm

On God's vineyard
... there needs no more than to read over, without prejudice ... and of the fruit of the
Spirit, " love, joy, peace, long ... Truly, when I saw what God had done among his ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 107 on gods vineyard.htm

Christ's Kingly Office
... He gives them inward peace and joy; a bunch of grapes by ... Christ to be their king
to rule over them, shall ... Use four: Let those admire God's free grace who were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 christs kingly office.htm

Christ's Transfiguration
... the Philippians, says, "Ye are my joy and crown ... Then the spiritual father will rejoice
over his children ... sitting upon the throne, with all God's people about him ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/christs transfiguration.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... graces of the Christian character, "love, joy, peace, long ... of Egypt; and he made
him governor over Egypt and ... An equally striking evidence of God's power to melt ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow ... as the street,
to them that went over."(1087 ... The eye of God, looking down the ages, was fixed ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Time of Trouble
... their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow ... as the street, to them
that went over." Verses 21-23 ... The eye of God, looking down the ages, was fixed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 39 the time of.htm

The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ...
... returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and were continually in the temple, praising
and blessing God.". ... conquered their enemies, and triumphed over death and the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture i the resurrection of.htm