Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted
Matt: 5: 4
The eight Beatitudes, the first part of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7, are presented in verses 2 through 12. They represent the characteristics and behaviors of those who belong to Jesus Christ, both now and in the world to come. Our weekly Devotionals for the next several weeks will be based upon these eight Beatitudes. The late, great Apostle Lobias Murray, founding father of the Full Gospel Holy Temple Churches, Inc., when teaching concerning the Beatitudes, would often tell us that we are to “Be at this Attitude” at all times. The Beatitudes depict the character of the true people of God.
Each of the Beatitudes begins with the word “blessed”. What does it mean to be blessed? It means that the favor of God is upon us so that we experience God-like joy. Happiness depends upon circumstances but true joy is based upon a real relationship with the Lord.
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This, the second of the nine Beatitudes tells us that we who mourn will be comforted. So what does it mean to mourn? The word mourn is defined by Wikipedia as feeling or showing deep sorrow or regret for someone or their death. It further means to feel regret or sadness about the loss or disappearance of something. Heb. 9: 27 says …as it is appointed unto men once to die…. This scripture lets us know that death is a part of life and it will happen to us all. Few of us are able to escape the painful experience of grief in our lifetime.
At the time that Jesus taught the Beatitudes in First Century Middle Eastern culture, mourning for the rich was different than mourning for the poor. Rich families were able to put up a memorial for their loved ones. Very large tombstones were often erected for the deceased by the wealthy. Poor families who could not afford the expenses of large monuments allowed the surviving family members to become the “living monument” by taking over the activities of the deceased in order to honor him or her. For example, if the deceased family member was in active service of the Lord, it became the responsibility of the surviving family members to carry on the work of the deceased. Both practices can be observed today. Often if one were to visit the burial sites of the wealthy, very large monuments can be observed. It is not uncommon for less wealthy family members to determine to “carry on” the work of their loved ones, particularly if the deceased was active in the service of the Lord. Thus family members of the deceased became their “living monument”.
Whether the mourning family of the deceased individual is wealthy or poor, the Scriptures tell us that we will be comforted. God himself promised to comfort us, turning desolation into consolation. Psalms 23 is a Scripture of comfort that has helped many through painful and hard times of mourning. Other Scriptures are provided to help us realize that the Lord understands our pain and he will comfort His own. Three Scriptures of comfort follow.
Is. 54:11 Isaiah 54:11 (KJV)
11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
Isaiah 40:11 (KJV)
11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Isaiah 66:13 (KJV)
13 As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
Are you grieving due to the loss of a loved one and just can’t seem to get control of the situation? We understand the pain of grief and will pray with you so that you might be comforted. 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. May God bless you.
