'Blessed are those who mourn....'

June 10, 2015 at 5:00 a.m.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted...." Matthew 5:4

Many think Jesus here refers to blessing and comfort for those who are sad now and cry much in life due to hardship and tragedy. But a study of the Scriptures will reveal that Jesus speaks of mourning over one's sin and disobedience to God's holy commandments. He speaks of sadness over our failures to love the LORD our God with all our hearts and souls and to live holy and God-pleasing lives.

In Joel, chapter 2, God warned His people of His impending judgment upon them for turning away from Him in their hearts. Verses 12-13 say: "'Now, therefore,' says the LORD, 'Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm.'"

Those who are truly sorry for their sins and lament their rebellion and disobedience to the LORD and His Word will find comfort in the good news of forgiveness and life in God's Son, Jesus Christ (cf. Isaiah 61:1-3). "Jesus Christ the righteous ... is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world" (1 John 2:1, 2). Jesus fulfilled all righteousness in our stead and then bore the full punishment for our sins when He was crucified and died upon the cross. His resurrection proves that a full atonement has been made (cf. Romans 4:25).

With David, we pray, "Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry to You all day long. Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You" (Psalm 86:3-5).

Indeed, it is true: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

My dear Lord Jesus, I have sinned and failed to love You and keep Your commandments. For the sake of Your holy life and innocent sufferings and death upon the cross for my sins, forgive me and cleanse my heart that I might love You and serve You always. Amen.

Editorial on 06/10/2015