Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matt 5:4
As we will look at the beatitudes next week, we see the formula of three parts of phrases and truths Jesus uses. First He begins with pronouncing the “Blessings” or happiness to begin the truth then, secondly, the situation as it is with the struggles and difficulties people face, and thirdly, the results desires and promised for those He loves.
These promises could be called the comforting parts of the beatitudes. The conclusion of old novels would read, “And they lived happily ever after.” The conclusion of God’s big book is the same way. There has been a fall, destruction, situations that are brought about because of the antagonist (Satan), the struggle, the rescue, the defeat of the bad guys (the overcoming of the odds and conflict) until it results in an end that is satisfying and enjoyable.
These types of stories, which we see played out in story after story, is what is implanted in our hearts are shadows of the BIG story of God intervening and directing our world. The comfort and conclusion of it all is blessedness, peace, salvation, and comfort.
Blessed is the one who mourns for he will be comforted. Who is our comforter? He is revealed by Jesus in John 16-17 as none other than the Holy Spirit. The comforter is called to walk along side to help, to support and strengthen. The only comfort we can receive for mourning over our sin is the free and complete forgiveness in Jesus.
David was full of remorse and tears when faced with his sin. He realized his poverty and mourned. Nothing broke his heart more than how he hurt God. When we look upon the cross of Christ, we see the ultimate effect of our sin and what it did to Him.
Wm Barclay paraphased it, "O the bless of the man whose heart is broken for the world’s suffering and for his own sin, for out of his sorrow He will find the joy of God."
Malcolm Muggeridge was a British author and social critic. He made much of his living criticizing much of his society's institutions. He made the church the object of much satire. However, at the age of 70 years he was converted to Christ.
He later wrote of the achievements in this world of fame, success, pleasure and fulfillment. “Yet I say to you and I get you to believe me - multiply these tiny triumphs by a million, add them together, and they are nothing - less than nothing, a positive impediment - measured against one draught of that living water Christ offers to the spiritually thirsty, irrespective of who or what they are."
Application: Jesus shares with us of the Kingdom life. It is a call to commitment, but it is more than that, it is a look at Jesus who brought compassion, who taught contentment, sought for us conversion and we are to find the comfort of His relationship, love, and presence.
Prayer: Lord, I want to say with Paul, “for I have learned to be content with whatever I have”, knowing all I seek I will find in You.
