A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN  

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

When you hear or read the word “mourn” you usually associate it with death. The death of a loved one, an acquaintance and sometimes even a stranger can cause you to experience deep sorrow. Mourning also occurs over other losses as well. A child mourns over the loss of a favorite toy. An adult could mourn when their car of many years finally ceases to be dependable and they must get rid of it. Mourning is always associated with a loss. 

Today’s beatitude follows as a result of yesterday’s, “blessed are the poor in spirit,” those who have no spiritual resources of their own. The recognition of this life condition is only overcome through God’s gift of faith in His Son . He alone gives victory to those who believe in Him over their sin and despair.   

The verb here in today’s devotional verse is a statement of fact. Your sin causes you to mourn because it separates you from God. Left in your sins you have no hope. The verb in this verse is future oriented. Jesus wants you to be comforted in your mourning over your sins because He has removed their curse and punishment through His life, death, and resurrection.   

Though you mourn now over your sins, through your faith in Christ Jesus you have the comfort of forgiveness. Your future is one of certainty based on the Gospel’s promise, “whoever believes in Him (Jesus) shall not perish but shall have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) The Gospel points you to Jesus through whom your mourning is turned into dancing. You are able to say with David, “You (Yahweh) turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever.” (Psalm 30:11-12) 

Blessed are you when you mourn because of your sins. Through your faith in Jesus, you will be comforted. 

Prayer: Dear Jesus, You came into the world to overcome sin and despair over it. Grant me the comfort of forgiveness for all the sins I have committed. Fill me with peace and joy. In Your holy name I ask this. Amen. 

Comfort, comfort ye My people,   Speak ye peace” thus saith our God;  “Comfort those who sit in darkness,   Mourning ‘neath their sorrows’ load.  Speak ye to Jerusalem Of the peace that waits for them;  Tell her that her sins I cover And her warfare now is over.” 

Yea, her sins our God will pardon, Blotting out each dark misdeed;  All that well deserved His anger He no more will see or heed.  She hath suffered many a day, Now her griefs have passed away;  Let the valleys pining sadness Into ever springing gladness.  

Hark, the herald’s voice is crying In the desert far and near;  Calling sinners to repentance, Since the Kingdom now is here.  O that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God a way;  Let the valleys rise to meet Him And the hills bow down to greet Him. 

Make ye straight what long was crooked;   Make the rougher places plain.  Let your hearts be true and humble, As befits His holy reign.  For the glory of the Lord Now o’er earth is shed abroad,  And all flesh shall see the token That His Word is never broken.  (LSB 347)