Moses was said to be the meekest man on earth.
“Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.” Numbers 12:3 (NKJV)
This character trait is found within people who demonstrate humility, patience, strength, and gentleness. Moses certainly needed these qualities to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian captivity. The Lord ordained Moses for this purpose but his pride was a hindrance that needed surgery. Patient strength was a requisite if Moses was going to lead the Israelites. Even with miraculous signs, God’s people complained… a lot.
To assure Moses would accept His direction and commands, a humble reverence was necessary.
“Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility.” Proverbs 18:12 (NKJV)
Moses spent the first 40 years of his life living as a prince of Egypt. After witnessing an Egyptian beat a fellow Jew, he impulsively killed the Egyptian. Fearing for his life, he escaped to the land of Midian.
For the next 40 years, Moses worked as a shepherd for his father-in-law, Jethro. Surely he must have felt the sharp descent from Pharaoh’s palace to life in the wilderness. This transition was an important component to his lesson on humility. God knew that shepherding a flock of animals was would equip him to eventually lead a flock of stubborn and ornery people.
“’I have seen these people,’ the LORD said to Moses, ‘and they are a stiff-necked people.’” Exodus 32:9 (NIV)
Meekness is found within people demonstrating humility, gentleness, and patience. To gain this trait, one of two components must often come into play: a conflict, which an individual is unable to control, or circumstances that are beyond one’s grasp. Typical human reactions to such circumstances include anger, frustration, or bitterness. But when someone submits to the leading of God, trusting that He will equip and provide guidance through situations, there is victory.
John the Baptist is another man aware of his need for humility. When some of his disciples came to him saying, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!” he responded with meekness.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 (NKJV)
We live in a world where boasting of our accomplishments is frequent and expected. Hard work is a wonderful quality, but John the Baptist had the right perspective.
“John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” John 3:27 (NKJV)
Our talents, intellect and athletic abilities are not of our own doing. God gave them to us. He enables our success, so long as we responsibly to sharpen and develop them as good stewards.
God puts a great deal of importance on man’s ability to walk in humility. With love and meekness working side-by-side much can be accomplished for the glory of God. Our desire to be, “ahead of the rest” is evidence that we have allowed our gaze to rest on the riches of this world and not the next.
Lay up treasure in heaven where riches are not lost or corroded. Glorify God through your gifts and talents. Use them to help others and point the lost to the Savior, Jesus Christ.
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Philippians 2:3 (NKJV)
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
James 4:10 (NKJV)
“Do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.” Romans 11:18 (NKJV)
“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 (NKJV)