Disciples Learn Paths of Blessedness

Matthew 5:4

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
~ Jesus

This part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is often presented with a focus of mourning over one’s state of sinfulness, or over sin’s havoc-wreaking capacity in general. If we restrict Jesus’ statement to such a meaning, it clearly is appropriate to mourn – both over havoc wreaked by sin in this world and its negative impact on one’s life personally. After all, the wages of sin IS death (Romans 6:23a). But that IS NOT the whole story.

Even though God tells us in Ephesians 2:8-9 that our good deeds don’t make up for our bad ones, Romans 6:23b says that eternal life is a free gift of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. With this understanding, the mourner is be blessed or comforted with forgiveness that comes through Jesus. This is gospel truth.

Now we ask: Is that the whole point Jesus’ intends with His statement, "blessed are those who mourn"? Tomorrow we dig into a broader, more natural understanding of those who mourn (such as over losing a loved one). But for today let’s appreciate the Gospel truth that Jesus releases us from the debt of sin incurred through our state of sinfulness. While it would be right to mourn over our sins, it is also right to rejoice over our Savior from sin, Jesus the Christ.

Prayer For the Week

Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for the free gift of God that comes to me at the cost of Your life. Thinking about it in light of today’s devotion, I mourn not just over my sin, but over the lengths You had to go to save us from that sin. Yet my mourning comes with tremendous gratitude and appreciation because You did what we could not do for ourselves; You have paid a debt that puts us in a position of receiving grace and mercy rather than judgment. I'm grateful for the Father's love -- and for Your loving obedience to the Father, doing His will for my benefit at great cost. Thank You Jesus! Amen.

Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God

Micro-Meditation

Psalm 119:65-72 9th letter: Teth (ט)

Do good to your servant
according to your word, Lord.
Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I trust your commands.
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word.
You are good, and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees.
Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
I keep your precepts with all my heart.
Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
but I delight in your law.
It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees.
The law from your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

Read the versus of the Psalm.

Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.

Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.

Pondering Point

The sense of the 9th letter Teth relates to the good of creation, even hidden goodness (such as pregnancy). This theme is scattered throughout vs 65-72.