5 Aug 2014

Matthew 5:4

Posted by joncooper

Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”

This seems like an odd verse, but it needs to be coupled with the rest of what Christ said. Jesus contrasts those who mourn now with those who oppress others and live comfortable lives. It is often true that the righteous suffer and are beaten down while those who hate God lead wealthy, peaceful lives. The faithful lose and are in pain, while the faithless reap a harvest that is not theirs.

Jesus said that the blessed ones (and this should not be forgotten!) are not the oppressors, but the righteous who are being oppressed. Those who mourn are actually much better off than those who are causing the mourning. Why? Because God has promised to comfort those who mourn. They will not always mourn, because one day God will put an end to all evil and will stamp out those who oppress the meek. In that day those who mourn will be comforted, while those who oppress others will be in tremendous agony – but no one will ever comfort them.

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