April
6, 2003
BLESSED
ARE THOSE WHO MOURN
"Blessed
are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew
5:4, NKJV).
"The
mourning here brought to view is true heart sorrow for sin.
Jesus says, 'I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw
all men unto Me' (John 12:32). And as one is drawn to behold
Jesus uplifted on the cross, he discerns the sinfulness of
humanity. He sees that it is sin which scourged and crucified
the Lord of glory. He sees that, while he has been loved with
unspeakable tenderness, his life has been a continual scene
of ingratitude and rebellion. He has forsaken his best Friend
and abused heaven's most precious gift. He has crucified to
himself the Son of God afresh and pierced anew that bleeding
and stricken heart. He is separated from God by a gulf of
sin that is broad and black and deep, and he mourns in brokenness
of heart.
"Such
mourning 'shall be comforted.' God reveals to us our guilt
that we may flee to Christ, and through Him be set free from
the bondage of sin, and rejoice in the liberty of the sons
of God. In true contrition we may come to the foot of the
cross, and there leave our burdens.
"The
Saviour's words have a message of comfort to those also who
are suffering affliction or bereavement.. God 'doth not afflict
willingly nor grieve the children of men' (Lamentations 3:33).
When He permits trials and afflictions, it is 'for our profit,
that we might be partakers of His holiness' (Hebrews 12:10).
If received in faith, the trial that seems so bitter and hard
to bear will prove a blessing. The cruel blow that blights
the joys of earth will be the means of turning our eyes to
heaven. How many there are who would never have known Jesus
had not sorrow led them to seek comfort in Him!...
"The
blessed Saviour stands by many whose eyes are so blinded by
tears that they do not discern Him. He longs to clasp our
hands, to have us look to Him in simple faith, permitting
Him to guide us. His heart is open to our griefs, our sorrows,
and our trials. He has loved us with an everlasting love and
with loving-kindness compassed us about. We may keep the heart
stayed upon Him and meditate upon His loving-kindness all
the day. He will lift the soul above the daily sorrow and
perplexity, into a realm of peace"--Thoughts From
The Mount of Blessing, pp., 9, 10, 12.
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