Sayings

Today we consider the well known saying, “How the mighty have fallen.” This phrase comes from the Old Testament where we find David lamenting the death of his beloved friend Jonathan. In 2 Samuel 1:25-27 we read,”  How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan lies slain upon your high places. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; greatly beloved were you to me; your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished!” 

However, in the modern use of the phrase it speaks of how the powerful have become powerless and used to indicate the decline or failure of a person, group, or entity that used to be very successful, powerful, important. The phrase can be humorously or sarcastically applied to everyday situations such as, “Joan has to clean her own house these days? Oh, how the mighty have fallen!” Or “The country used to be an economic superpower, but now it is regarded with distrust and disdain by leaders around the world. How the mighty have fallen, indeed.” But what is the opposite of mighty? Surely it is meekness that Jesus spoke about in the beatitudes. 

I remember hearing about a well-known preacher who was walking with his son. A man approached them and started talking to the preacher. At one point the man asked the preacher his opinion of another man that had been at great odds with him. The preacher said something along the lines of “I think that he is a good man.” Not long after that the man went on his way. Once the father and son were alone again, the son looked up at his dad and said “I thought that man hated you and couldn’t stand you. Why were you so complimentary toward him when you were asked what you thought of him?” To which the preacher said, “Because son, I wasn’t asked what his opinion was of me, but what my opinion was of him.”

What a great example of meekness! Many people think that meekness is weakness, but it couldn’t be further from what the word means. Meekness is controlled strength. A horse hasn’t lost its strength when it gets harnessed, it has gained usefulness, and not lost one ounce of strength. When we choose to direct our power to be constructive rather than destructive, that does not display weakness but meekness – controlled strength. Did not Solomon say in Proverbs 16:32 Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. 

Lord, help us to show meekness in all that we think, say, and do. May we like Christ challenge injustice whilst showing kindness, empathy, and gentleness. Help us to welcome the friend, the stranger, and the enemy that we may proclaim your love to all. In Christ's name, Amen.