Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
– Matthew 5:4
Recall from the previous post what we observed about the word translated as “blessed.” Rather than think of it as being happy, let us think of it as a favorable state of being. You will understand presently why Jesus applies the idea of being blessed to those who mourn.
The mourning in mind here has nothing to do with our reaction when smashing our thumb with a hammer. This mourning is a deeply felt reaction to emotional trauma, to loss or affliction that comes upon us. Visit the graveside of Lazarus (John 11) and you will witness mourning. It is what Paul says the Corinthians church should have been doing because of the sin happening among the believers (1 Corinthians 5:2). The book of James (4:9) challenges all believers to turn away from our pride and mourn our sinful ways. Why? Because that’s when God ministers to us.
Jesus says that those who mourn will be comforted. If I were to tell you the word used in the original language, you would quickly recognize it as sounding familiar. The root of the work is parakaleō, from which we draw connection to the Holy Spirit as the Paraklete. The word means “called along side,” which is a most appropriate description of what the Holy Spirit does for us. Jesus told his disciples (John 14:16), “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever.” What word is translated Helper? You guessed it: paraklete.
We have a God who “is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Jesus would never contend that we enjoy times of mourning. What he does tell us is that in those seasons when our hearts are breaking, God is especially close. When Lazarus died and his family was deep in grief, Jesus stood by the grave with them and wept. It is a beautiful picture of God’s heart for those who mourn.
See you along the Winding Path.
The Winding Path 