Key verses:

Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Psalm 37:8-11
8.Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. 9. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land. 10. In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. 11But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.

Recurrent Thought 
Meekness is one vehicle we can use to accelerate great harvests. Fortunately, it can be easily cultivated through intentional practice and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

1.    MEEKNESS
a.    Definition 

          •    Meek can also be understood as "gentle" or "humble". It's not about weakness or timidity, but rather a strength under control, a willingness to submit to God's will and trust in His power.

          •    It comes in the context of the Beatitudes, which is a series of blessings that describe the character of those who are truly blessed in God's eyes.

          •    Meekness is a virtue that is often associated with humility, gentleness, and patience, and it is a quality that is highly valued in the Christian faith. 

          •    The meek are those who trust in God's guidance and power rather than relying on their own strength or abilities.

          •    Meekness is one of the key characteristics of those who will inherit the earth. 

b.    What does inheriting the earth mean? 

         •    Inheriting the earth talks about a future blessing and inheritance, often interpreted as the coming kingdom of God. Some interpret it as a physical inheritance, while others see it as a spiritual and eternal inheritance. 

         •    Whatever it may be, Jesus is talking about the meek being partakers of great blessings associated with His Kingdom, both here and after this life. 

         •    As we talk about great harvests, this year, we need to understand that these great harvests are readily available for those that choose the way of meekness. 

         •    Are you serious you want great harvests? This is time to position yourself for the harvests by choosing meekness. 

c.  Examples of meekness from the Life of Jesus
Jesus Described Himself as Meek. 
Matthew 11:29
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

           •    Jesus is inviting us to a life of meekness and He offers to teach us because He knows how to do it well. He is the very epitome of meekness. 

           •    Choosing the way of meekness, you are assured of “rest for your souls.”

           •    Meekness was central to Jesus’ character, making Him approachable and trustworthy.

i.    Jesus Responded to Opposition with Meekness

           •    Instead of retaliating when insulted or opposed, Jesus remained calm and focused on His mission. Retaliation would have ruined His mission. 

           •    Isaiah 53:7 (prophecy about Jesus) says, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth.”

           •    John 19:9-11 - At His trial, He did not argue with Pilate or the religious leaders but responded with wisdom and restraint.

ii.    Jesus Taught with Authority Yet Gentleness

           •    Jesus corrected sinners but never crushed them. 

           •    He showed patience, even when His disciples were slow to understand.

           •    John 8:1-11, He forgave the woman caught in adultery while also calling her to repentance.

iii.    Jesus Submitted to God's Plan

         •    Jesus’ willingness to endure suffering and death on the cross shows ultimate meekness—powerfully surrendering to God’s will.

         •    Jesus humbled Himself, even to the point of death. Philippians 2:6-8

2.    LINKING MEEKNESS TO GREAT HARVESTS
Meekness Attracts Divine Favour
Matthew 3:13-17

       •    God is very pleased with meek people. A meek person says “I will do it because it pleases the Lord.”

       •    Jesus accepted to be baptised by John to fulfill all righteousness. 

How does meekness attract God’s favour?

      •    Meek people rely on God rather than their own strength.  

      •    When we trust God instead of striving in pride, He fights for us and positions us for lasting success.

Numbers 12:1-9
2 Chronicles 20:1-15

Lesson: Meek people hand over their battles to God, and God gladly takes over. 

       •    This dependence on God is what attracts His favour. 

       •    Why do you insist on fighting your battles? After all what weapons do you have to insist on fighting your battles? (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

       •    Remember Jesus has sent us into the world as vulnerable Lambs among wolves. 

       •    Let us start cultivating the attitude of meekness that we may continually attract divine favour. 

       •    That is how we can position ourselves for great harvests. 

3.    HOW TO CULTIVATE MEEKNESS
The only way to truly define meekness is in the context of relationships because it refers to how we treat others. A gentle spirit should characterize our relationship with both man and God. Remember it is strength under control. We will talk about three practical ways we can cultivate meekness. 

a.    Learn to surrender your will to God
Luke 22:41-43

         •    Jesus was very clear about God’s will as He negotiated for His own will. God’s will was very clear but it was hard. That is why God sent the angel to strengthen Jesus.

         •    When we learn to submit our wills to the Father He will bring us help.

         •    How easy is it for God to have His way in your life? How long do you fight before you give in?

         •    Meekness starts with surrendering our plans, desires, and ambitions to God.

             o    Start each day with a prayer of surrender, asking God to guide your actions and decisions.

             o    Seek to understand God’s will in every particular situation. When we make it a daily practice it becomes so easy to align our wills to God’s will.

             o    Trust God’s timing instead of forcing your way forward.

b.    Stop being defensive
1 Samuel 15:17-23
2 Samuel 12:13

      •    A meek person learns from correction rather than becoming defensive.

           o    When someone gives you feedback, listen with an open heart.

           o    Instead of justifying yourself, ask, “What can I learn from this?”

           o    Defensive people always shift blame. It started with Adam and Eve; then Cain

c.    Be deliberate about displaying your gentleness 
Philippians 4:5

    •    Meekness shows in our tone, actions, and how we treat others.

    •    Let it be evident to all (spouse, children, neighbours, relatives, superiors, juniors, etc.)

           o    Speak softly and kindly, even when frustrated. This is where you need the Holy Spirit. You cannot do that on your own. Gentleness is part of the fruit of the Spirit. 

           o    Show patience with difficult people. Patience is part of the fruit of the Spirit. 

   •    You might be a great person but people are failing to benefit from your greatness because your gentleness is not evident. How many have you failed to impact?

          o    Jesus was approachable; that’s why He was able to impact multitudes. 

Prayer

         1.    God help me to be willing to learn from Jesus.

         2.    God help me to practice meekness in all my relationships. 

         3.    God help me to be conscious of the help that the Holy Spirit offers me every day.