Beatitude rewards.
The reward in studying the Beatitudes is not simply in acquiring knowledge that will improve our spiritual or moral character. It is also an opportunity to gain insight into the nature of God and the extraordinary kingdom God has designed for our lives.
The “blessedness” described in the Beatitudes affirms a quality of life that is already present with more to be fully realized in eternity future. In exploring the key propositions set forth within the Beatitudes, we discover the blessedness of “kingdom living”.
Blessedness recapped.
“Blessed” literally means “happy”. As we discovered earlier in this series, this “happiness” is not the same as that offered by the world. Worldly happiness is dependent on circumstances or material possessions. In contrast, kingdom happiness is authentic joy that accrues to a believer who shares in the salvation of the kingdom of heaven.
Our “happiness” [as believers} transcends the world’s definition. It is anchored to our belief and trust in God (Hebrews 6:19). It results in inner satisfaction and sufficiency that is not dependent on outward circumstances. This is the reality that allows us to thrive even while living in this fallen world.
“Blessedness” is not a function of positive psychology nor is it a product of positive thinking. It is the reality of living in God’s presence, under God’s protection, and appreciating God’s provision. Today’s beatitude is a prime example of this reality of kingdom living (Matthew 5: 4).
Blessed in mourning?
Mourning is not the usual activity we associate with happiness. Why did Jesus choose to use mourning as a topic to include in this beatitude?
Mourning is a universal expression of deep sorrow and grief, usually associated with death or loss. Like “poor in spirit” has nothing to do with finances in Matthew 5:3, “mourning and comforting”, in this beatitude, has nothing to do with death or loss. This mourning is “mourning over sin”. Once we truly comprehend the impact of sin on our lives and on our relationship with God, there is much reason to mourn.
Paul spoke of this as “godly sorrow”. This sorrow produces repentance, leading to salvation without regret (2 Corinthians 7:10). Much too often we are burdened by unconfessed sin in our life. It results in emotional and spiritual scarring. Satan then uses guilt and shame to further enslave our lives.
Where is the blessing in mourning?
Happiness comes in the “comfort” which God provides through His forgiveness and salvation. Mourning our sinful state drives us into the arms of Jesus Christ, Who is the source of our forgiveness and salvation (Isaiah 40:1, 2).
This “happiness” occurs initially when we accept Jesus as our Savior. It continues daily as we confess new sins that we have committed (Matthew 6:12; 1 John 1:9). There is comfort in knowing that our sins are forgiven, and we are in right relationship with the Lord (Ephesians 2:11-13).
Mourning leads to comfort: forgiveness, salvation, and restoration. We thank God for the comfort He has provided us through Jesus Christ.
The end result of mourning: comforting.
The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) gives us an excellent model of “godly sorrow” and “mourning”. The prodigal mourned his disobedience that led to his “sinful state”: “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee” (v. 18).
His “godly sorrow” and confession (v. 21) then led to reconciliation and “comfort” from his father: “Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry” (vv. 22, 23).
In 2024, Jesus continues to be the blessed comfort promised to us who mourn over our sins.