TV
Blessed are Those who Mourn
This week's focus: Beatitudes
(We are working our way through the Beatitudes in the book of Matthew. This is the 3rd in the series. Click the "previous" button at the bottom of the page to see others in the series)
In recording Christ's words, "Blessed are those who mourn", Matthew chose the strongest Greek term in all his vocabulary when he wrote, "mourn." It is a heavy word—a passionate lament on behalf of one who was loved with profound devotion. The term conveys the sorrow of a broken heart, the ache of the soul, the anguish of mind. It could include several scenes:
- Mourning over wrong in the world
- Mourning over personal loss
- Mourning over one's own wrong and sinfulness
- Mourning over the death of someone close
In the Beatitudes, Jesus calls some people “blessed” who appear to be quite the opposite. People who “mourn” don’t seem to be “blessed,” according to most other people. Jesus is contrasting the world’s idea of happiness with true blessedness—spiritual prosperity—which comes from a right relationship with God.
In keeping with His theme of spiritual blessedness, Jesus seems to indicate that this mourning is due to grief over sin. The people who agree with God about the evil of their own hearts can attain an "enviable state of blessedness," due to the comfort they receive from communion with the Holy Spirit. Jesus called the Holy Spirit the Comforter. The Spirit comforts those who are honest about their own sin and humble enough to ask for forgiveness and healing. Those who hide their sin or try to justify it before God can never know the comfort that comes from a pure heart, as Jesus talks about in Matthew 5:8. Those who learn to mourn over their own sin find the heart of God. And intimate fellowship with God is the very foundation of true happiness.
Matthew 5:4 (NASB)
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
Prayer Points:
- Lord, there are times when this life is filled with joy, times of gladness and celebration. But there are other times, many other times, times of sadness and loss, times of mourning and weeping. Along with the whole creation, our hearts ache for the day when Your kingdom will fully come. Lord, I mourn over my sin, I repent of it, and I seek Your power to walk away from it. Thank You for the promise of comfort from the Holy Spirit.
- As we celebrate Independence Day weekend, we wanted to share a special video message from the Old State House in Boston, Massachusetts. On July 18, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read for the first time from the balcony of the Old State House and has been read there every year on July 4th since then. It is our founding principles, as so eloquently outlined in the Declaration of Independence, that we hold to and celebrate today. We reflect on the unique history that birthed this great nation and the freedom it has bestowed on generations of Americans. And we acknowledge together that it is our dependence on God that brings true independence and freedom. We pray this weekend is a time of reflection, gratitude, and celebration as we thank God for America.
We want to see God honored in America, and we pray for an unprecedented spiritual awakening.
This devotion was produced in partnership with Every Home for Christ.
This ministry is made possible by the generous support of friends like you.