“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)

It seems like an oxymoron, to think of being in mourning and be blessed. The second Beatitude, Jesus seems to be saying just that.  Let us start with an understanding of mourning. Mourning is defined as “the expression of deep sorrow for someone who has died.” (Oxford Dictionary) When death enters our lives, we have expressions of deep sorrow.  Death has come to all because all of us have sinned, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23a) Our sin brings death, which brings deep sorrow to our lives. The Psalmist would write, “Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.” (Psalm 119:136) The Psalmist mourns for the disobedience of the people for all their sin.

The reason we mourn is because of sin. Jesus understands the depth of sin in the lives of people. He said, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34) Jesus has come to set us free from our slavery to sin. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)

This was the promise of the coming Messiah described in the prophecy of Isaiah. “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)

It all starts as we grieve over sin, beginning with our own sin and continuing with the sin of mankind. When we bring our mourning before our Heavenly Father, He brings comfort to us because Jesus has brought forgiveness and salvation through His defeat of sin by the resurrection. This is not a one-time prayer, but a prayer we will continue until the day we stand before Him. “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!’” (Revelation 21:3-5a)

This is our coming blessing. Our blessing also comes as we see God accomplish in the lives of people what we pray for as we mourn, because of their sin. We can now rejoice when they find forgiveness, salvation and new life through Jesus Christ.

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block