Blessed are the meek

"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite." ~ Isaiah 57:15 

William Carey, who has been called "the father of modern missions," always seemed to have a humble spirit. Even at the zenith of his popularity, one of his most striking characteristics was his meek and selfless attitude. At a state dinner given in Carey's honor, a jealous English officer asked the host, "Wasn't your great Dr. Carey once just a shoemaker?" Before the man could reply, the renowned missionary, who was near enough to hear the remark, answered with quiet dignity, "No, sir, I was not that skilled. I was only a cobbler." "Blessed are the meek..."

We serve a great and mighty God who is high and lifted up. He inhabits eternity and rules all creation. So, who has he chosen to join him in the high and holy place? Those who are of a contrite and lowly spirit. Such are those who give him the greatest glory and serve him with the fullest devotion. As they come alongside and faithfully labor, he graciously revives their spirit. "Blessed are the meek..."

The Lord is not looking for the highly skilled, or the tremendously successful. He looks for those who count it the greatest privilege to serve the One who is high and lifted up. He looks for those who will depend on him alone to revive their spirit and heart for the journey. He dwells with those who stoop down to rise up. "Blessed are the meek..."