S19P2 – The beatitudes: relief for the mourners

Matt: 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

The believer mourns for many things. This mourning has been interpreted as referring to our response of repentance when we come to salvation. I believe this mourning goes even deeper, as detailed in the book of Zechariah. It speaks of the mourning of the house of David over the one whom they have pierced, a reference to Jesus being persecuted and murdered by those He came to redeem [Zech. 12:10]. It is a reference to us as well, as Jesus was pierced for our very transgressions [Isa. 53:5].

The mourning of the saved is not only repentance at confessing our desperate need for Jesus Christ but also our mourning at knowing that it is our sin that nailed Jesus to the cross. In fact, He did not just bear our sins but actually became sin for our sake [2 Cor. 5:21]. For this we mourn, and for this we are comforted. God’s promise is that those who mourn for his Son’s sake will find comfort in him. Their mourning is not ignored. God replaces the mourning over our sin with rejoicing over our salvation. It is part of the great exchange offered by a God who longs to be reunited to his creation in restored relationship.

As God calls his chosen [Eph. 1: 4-5], let us pray into that calling, that the chosen will listen and respond with the mourning that brings salvation and relief. Jesus died to make a way for this mourning, tears of beautiful repentance that bring new life. Father, thank You for the conviction that brings a heart to turning, for the calling that draws us to You, and for the eternal relief that You provide to those who mourn; we ask that You cause your chosen people to respond with true repentance.