Mourning Glory

My Journey Through the Sermon on the Mount

{Matthew 5:1-4}
"Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

We have often heard this scripture quoted to those who have just lost a loved one. In an effort to comfort, we call them blessed for mourning. God blesses your sadness.

However, according to my study resources, the meaning for mourn here is “to have a deep sorrow for sin.” It’s "a grief so all encompassing it cannot be hidden."

Why in the world is that a blessing? To feel terrible about what you’ve done?

Do you feel sorry for your sin?
Have you felt a deep sense of grief over your sin?

So here again Jesus is telling us we need to feel so broken, so bankrupt (poor in spirit v.3), and so grief stricken to receive the Kingdom of Heaven and to receive comfort from the Comforter.

He is telling us that those who come filthy, poor, and broken are the ones who will receive forgiveness and eternal life.

Religion teaches us we must clean up our act, walk a straight line, and do it on our own to earn eternal life.

Jesus says it’s poverty in spirit, grief, mourning that leads us to Him in glory.

Mourning is the road to glory.

Are you still trying to earn God’s love?
Are you still so “good” that you think you deserve eternal life?

Stop.
Mourn.
Grieve.
Repent.

See yourself before a holy God and ask yourself again.

If we are so high on our own pedestal, then how can the LORD our God reach down to rescue us?

If we have it all figured out then what need do we have to depend on Him?

The reason this place of mourning is considered “blessed” is because it is the beginning of seeing who we are (or better yet, who we are NOT) in comparison to who God is.

Our mourning helps us to see His glory more clearly.

Will you mourn with me today?

"For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret . . ." (2 Corinthians 7:10)