THE BEATITUDES #2
Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4
There are many ways to apply this verse, but the main thing to understand is that God doesn't want us to be overwhelmed by grief. He is able to comfort us, even in the most devastating situations. Whatever you're going through: turn to Jesus and he will give you HOPE.
To his disciples, Jesus acknowledges the sorrow that we feel for the SINFUL CONDITION of this world. We mourn (as God must mourn), for our own personal failings as well as the failings of others. This kind of mourning is a form of intercession, and we will be comforted as we pray for ourselves, our families and others.
And, we experience grief because of our longing for the RETURN OF CHRIST, when righteousness will be established on this earth. All the corrupt systems of this world will end and we'll learn a whole new way of life.
The prophet Isaiah said that the Messiah (Jesus) would be a MAN OF SORROWS, and acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3.) Which was very true. We see in the New Testament how Jesus did suffer and grieve in many situations, and he experienced much sorrow through his death.
Hebrews 5:8 says, "Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned OBEDIENCE from the things he suffered." For Christians, grief can be productive because eventually we understand God's wisdom and His ways.
Jesus is saying here, in this Beatitude, that His followers will be acquainted with grief as well -- but God imparts a special, divine BLESSING so that we can bear it. He will not leave us alone, but we will be comforted. This is God's promise.
Obviously, the Beatitudes are not simple little mealtime blessings or goodnight prayers! The rich meaning of these verses is for those who are serious about following Christ. The Beatitudes are a brief outline of true Discipleship.
