April 6, 2014 - "Blessed are the Meek"
Music & the Spoken Word broadcast with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Organ. April 6, 2014 Broadcast Number 4412.
Music
“How Wondrous and Great”
Attributed to Johann Michael Haydn
Lyrics: Henry U. Onderdonk
Arrangement: John Longhurst
“If the Savior Stood Beside Me”1
Composer: Sally DeFord
Lyrics: Sally DeFord
Arrangement: Sam Cardon
Organ Arrangement: Richard Elliott
“Norwegian Rustic March,” from Lyric Pieces (Organ solo)
Composer: Edvard Grieg
Arrangement: Richard Elliott
“Take Time to Be Holy”
Traditional Irish Melody
Lyrics: W. D. Longstaff
Arrangement: John Longhurst
“More Holiness Give Me”2
Composer: Philip Paul Bliss
Lyrics: Philip Paul Bliss
Arrangement: Ronald Staheli
“I Believe in Christ”3
Composer: John Longhurst
Lyrics: Bruce R. McConkie
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
1. On the CD Teach Me To Walk In The Light & Other Children’s Favorites
2. On the CD set 100 Years: Celebrating A Century Of Recording Excellence
3. On the CDs Called To Serve, This Is The Christ, and Consider the Lilies
Spoken Word
“Blessed Are the Meek”
The prophet Moses is one of the great leaders in history. He is honored and revered in multiple faith traditions worldwide. Raised as a prince in Pharaoh’s court, Moses grew up with every advantage. He was educated and powerful; as the scripture records, he “was mighty in words and in deeds.1
And yet he forsook his wealth and worldly acclaim and became a humble servant of God, dedicating his strength and abilities-even the rest of his life-to helping others. In the end, he was described as “very meek, above all the men ... upon the face of the earth.2
We often think of a meek person as one who is passive, unassertive, even shy. Surely that does not describe Moses, who boldly stood before Pharaoh, liberated the Hebrews, and parted the Red Sea. So how is it that a great leader like Moses could be considered both mighty and meek?
Perhaps Moses learned something about meekness-and power-during his memorable encounter with God on the mountaintop. Perhaps it was his understanding of the true Source of power that enabled him to be powerful himself, and at the same time meek.
Thousands of years later, the need for meekness abounds in a world that prizes hard-hitting brashness and self-promotion. Some disregard meekness, thinking that success comes only from aggression and competitiveness. But meekness is not weakness. Meek people are secure in who they are and yet are teachable. They don’t feel a need to overshadow others. They are not easily provoked. Their abundant attitude enables them to put the needs of others above their own.
Of all the virtues vital for life, perhaps meekness is among the most essential, for without it there is no growth. It demands an honest evaluation of one’s heart. It asks us to acknowledge our imperfections and be strong enough to make changes. Meekness comes of knowing that anything we do well is a gift from God. Perhaps therein lies the truth of this statement, made by another who was known for both His meekness and His power: “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.3
1. Acts 7:22.
2. Numbers 12:3.
3. Matthew 5:5.