![]() ![]() What has been your experience with being broken? What lessons have you learned? How can your own broken soul be used by the Lord to help other people? Sooner or later life itself breaks us all. Who knows how many people will see “the Sovereign LORD” through us in our own broken places, as well? Through Ezekiel’s example, the people of Israel were going to be convicted of the truth about who God was, the Sovereign Lord - and they would see this truth as they experienced the fulfillment of the prophecy that Ezekiel’s life was symbolizing and the suffering that he had faced. When this happens, you will know that I am the Sovereign LORD” (NIV). In Ezekiel 24:24 God says, “Ezekiel will be a sign to you you will do just as he has done. What’s happening here? Why was Ezekiel put through this crucible? But as we noted yesterday, meekness is the God-given ability to endure such things “with patience and without resentment.” It is easy to feel angry or hurt in such situations. In each case, God permitted the situations in order that His people’s lives could become theaters of His grace and care, not only for themselves but for the good of others, as well. Joseph was called to a journey that involved betrayal and imprisonment as he was brought to a position of service in Egypt. Moses was called to endure unending waves of gossip and criticism as he led people to the Promised Land. What do you think he means by this?Īll through the Bible there are examples of people who were “broken” to serve others. Oswald Chambers has said that we are to become “broken bread and poured-out wine” for others. Sunday ↥ August 28 Broken Bread and Poured-out Wine Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 3. The Week at a Glance: What is the relationship between suffering and meekness? How can we, in our own meekness and broken places, be a witness to others? How can meekness really be a strength, not a weakness, for the Christian? Indeed, the crucible is a great place to learn meekness of heart, for through our own meekness and broken places we can be powerful witnesses for God. And yet, it’s not an end in itself: meekness of spirit can be a powerful weapon in the hands of those who are in the midst of pain and suffering. Sometimes the Bible translates this word as “humble.” Again, humility isn’t a character trait seen as desirable by most cultures, either.īut meekness, enduring injury with patience and without resentment, is one of the most powerful characteristics of Jesus and His followers. ![]() Meekness is defined as “enduring injury with patience and without resentment.” No wonder we don’t hear much about it it’s hardly a trait well respected in culture today. We don’t hear the word meek used much, except maybe when reading about Moses or studying the Beatitudes. Memory Text: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5, NKJV). Lesson 10 August 27-September 2 Meekness in the Crucible ![]()
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