THE BEATITUDES (2)
Jesus said,
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
(Mt. 5:4)
In God’s presence, a believer senses the Lord’s absolute holiness and, in contrast, his own unworthiness and personal sinfulness. Spiritually, he awakens to his own depravity compared to a Holy God.
A three-stage process repeats throughout the life of one who walks with the Lord: first, recognition of personal sin; then purging; followed by obedience and service. This process transforms the believer to become more and more like Christ. “But we all, seeing the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces, as in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Cor. 3:18)
In this life, we receive comfort from the Word, Holy Spirit, gospel promises and Christian ministers. We’re comforted by never ending discoveries of God’s mercy and love; expressions of grace through Christ’s shed blood; and enjoyment of the Lord’s presence. But present-day comforts can only be partial and temporary.
In heaven, mourning will completely end, replaced by uninterrupted communion with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the company of angels and glorified saints. There will be no more possibility to sin; and no more sorrow, death, crying or pain. God will wipe away every tear.
---Beverly Nickles