The idea of mourning feels foreign to us, but it is a part of our reality. And Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn." Continuing with our series on the Beatitudes, we will learn the biblical meaning of mourning in today's message.
Matthew 5:1-4
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Poverty of Spirit means:
1. a sense of powerlessness in ourselves
2. a sense of spiritual bankruptcy and helplessness before God.
3. a sense of personal unworthiness before God.
Poverty of Spirit is the prerequisite attitude of maturing in our spirituality, becoming more like Christ.
Spiritual poverty leads us to spiritual mourning.
4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted
Mourning is our reality.
“Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.” (Proverbs 14:13 NIV)
“I walked a mile with Pleasure, she chatted all the way
But left me none the wiser for all she had to say
I walked a mile with Sorrow and not a word said she
But oh, the things I learned when sorrow walked with me.”
Why do we mourn?
1. We mourn for our sinful condition.
2. We mourn for our loss
3. We mourn for the condition of others.
How can we be comforted as we mourn?
1. Remember God’s presence
2. RELEASE our burdens to God
3. Rely on God’s Resources!