Sermon VI - Godly mourners shall be comforted - Matthew 5:4
congregation, God will accept that. In the meantime, you who are of poor spirit and truly humbled before God, consider the cost of your comfort. Perhaps it has caused the hardening of many hundreds in this congregation to even speak of such a thing. But says God, let it cost the hardening of many; your comfort is so dear to Me that I desire it despite this. Therefore, take these things and make use of them to further your sanctification. We have a very notable Scripture for cautioning against the misuse of these things in Hebrews 12:28.
We have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken. So, what then?
Shall we take liberty and live loosely? No, says the Scripture.
Therefore, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. The Scripture makes this use of it:
Therefore, what? Therefore, let us not be wanton, but let us serve Him with reverence and godly fear, for our God is a consuming fire.
In 1 Thessalonians 2:12, it is written: "That you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His kingdom and glory." Walk as those who are partakers of the kingdom of heaven. Walk above the world. Let it not appear that you possess the same base and low spirits as the people of the world. Instead, walk worthy of the kingdom to which the Lord has called you.
SERMON VI
OR Godly mourners shall be comforted
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. -
MATTHEW 5:4
On the last day, you may recall that we spoke about the first Beatitude, the blessedness of the poor in spirit, and what Christ meant when He said that theirs is the kingdom of heaven. We explained that the kingdom of heaven does not solely refer to going to heaven after death, although that is true. The main purpose of Christ's statement here is to show that even the poor in spirit shall partake in the blessings of the Messianic era. With the Messiah coming into the world and establishing a new kingdom different from what was before, the poor in spirit shall become participants in that kingdom, enjoying all its privileges. I will not revisit the detailed exposition of the privileges of that kingdom. The main focus of the previous sermon was to apply it to the poor in spirit and to demonstrate the blessedness that they receive from this kingdom.
The Lord has chosen the poor in this world so that they may partake in the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, it is a great encouragement for Gospel ministers to preach about the kingdom of heaven to congregations that have many poor individuals. I wish that the poor in this congregation could hear about the blessings of the kingdom of heaven. I believe that if the poor in this place could be exposed to the Gospel, I would have as much hope of doing good here as in any other place in the kingdom. The Gospel itself is often referred to as the kingdom of heaven because it reveals the great things pertaining to the Messianic kingdom. So, to those of you who are poor and have come here, be encouraged to continue coming. And I urge you to encourage your poor neighbors and friends as well, telling them that even if they are extremely poor, if their spirits are poor and humble in accordance with their poverty, the kingdom of heaven is open to them too. Share with them what you have heard about the kingdom of heaven from the Gospel and the blessed things it offers. Then
there is great hope that God intends to bring many in this congregation to His blessed kingdom.
The preaching of the Gospel is likened to casting a net, and it is referred to as the kingdom of heaven. We have a vast sea in which to cast the net, but it seems that those whom I would most like to capture in the net, the poorest and most humble, seldom come within its reach. I mean the poorest and most lowly people. Oh, you who are rich and hold positions, take measures to bring in the poor so that they may come into this net. When we cast the net, that is, when we preach the Gospel, may it be to them as if the kingdom of heaven has come near to them.
And you, young ones, listen attentively to the things concerning the kingdom of heaven. When you come home, ask your parents and guardians about the meaning of the kingdom of heaven, how poor people can become kings and priests unto God. We have even more reason to encourage young ones to inquire about this because as soon as the kingdom of heaven began to be known, the young ones were eager and deeply affected by it. Compare these two passages of Scripture: Mark 11:9-10 and Matthew 21:15. There you will find that the children and young ones were shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David!" And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that Jesus did and heard the children crying out in the temple, saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were greatly displeased.
Now compare this with Mark 11:9-10: "Those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father
David that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!'"
They cried out "Hosanna in the highest" because of the kingdom of the Messiah that was coming. It is said that the chief priests and scribes were troubled by this. Carnal hearts may be troubled to see
young ones so enthusiastic about the kingdom, but the Lord stirred them up to be affected by the kingdom of the Messiah, and Christ justifies them. Jesus said to them, "Have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have perfected praise'?" This is for the honor of Jesus Christ that young ones shall cry "Hosanna," etc. Everything that has been said about the blessedness of the poor should teach us to highly esteem those who are poor in spirit. Even though they are despised by the world, do not despise them. "Blessed is he who considers the poor" (Psalm 41:1). In James 2:5, it is said,
"Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?"
But you have despised the poor. Be careful not to be guilty of despising any of Christ's little ones. Those who are poor in spirit are highly esteemed by Jesus Christ, so do not treat them lightly. There are many more things that can be said about the promises made to the poor, namely, the kingdom of heaven. Now we come to the second Beatitude.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
In Luke's account, you will find it presented in a different order, and various copies have it differently. There are two or three Beatitudes set in a different order there. But regarding the essence itself, it is one of the strangest paradoxes in the world: "Blessed are those who mourn." Among all the affections, sorrow is the least beneficial to human nature. Nature gains something from the affections of love, joy, desire, hope, and even fear, but sorrow weakens nature. Yet Christ addresses this and says, "Blessed are those who mourn." It is more than saying, "Blessed are those who grieve." Chrysostom, commenting on this passage, says that it does not merely mean blessed are those who grieve, but blessed are those who mourn. The word translated as "mourn" here signifies an exceedingly great
mourning, like the mourning that takes place at the death of friends.
When someone buries an intimate friend, a dear child, or a close relative, what great mourning there is in the eyes of the world! But Christ says, "Blessed are you in that moment." If you are godly and my disciples, you are blessed in that mourning, even if your mourning is the greatest in the world. It is in the present tense: "You who mourn," indicating its continuation. Even if you mourn constantly, even if you find yourself in a sorrowful state and live in it all your days, still you are blessed for mourning. The world is all about merriment and splendor. Oh, blessed are those who are merry, who can drink wine from bowls, adorn themselves with rosebuds, sing to the harp, and invent musical instruments like David. They are considered the blessed ones in the world. But we see that Christ's judgment is completely contrary. Blessed are those who mourn.
Surely, not all those who mourn are blessed.
First, there is a foolish mourning in which men and women are not blessed. They mourn without knowing the reason, and this is not blessedness but folly.
Secondly, there is a natural mourning, when one mourns solely because their circumstances have worsened and they have experienced some misfortune. This type of mourning does not possess blessedness.
Thirdly, there is a worldly mourning. Worldly sorrow leads to death.
Mourning over the loss of worldly possessions, considering it the greatest loss of all, is not blessed; it leads to death.
Fourthly, there is an envious mourning, when people mourn and grieve over the good fortune of others. Surely, this is not blessed but cursed.
Furthermore, there is a devilish mourning, when men and women mourn because they cannot indulge their desires.
Lastly, there is a hellish, desperate mourning when people mourn in despair. This is hellish and not blessed. Such mourners are not blessed.
But who, then, are blessed? Those who mourn. That is, those who, by the providence of God, find themselves in a mournful condition.
They may be deprived of many comforts in this world that others possess, or they may be afflicted by the hand of God and find themselves in a sad state. Yet, their hearts submit to God's will and sanctify His name in these circumstances. These are the blessed ones. We must clarify the meaning of the previous verse, "Blessed are the poor." It does not refer to all the poor, but to the poor in spirit.
Similarly, "Blessed are those who mourn" refers to those who mourn in spirit, whose spirits are humbled before God and honour Him in their mournful condition. Their condition may be low, but their hearts are even lower than their condition. These are the blessed ones, especially those who direct their mourning towards the right object. They mourn for sin as the greatest evil, not only for their own sins but also for the sins of others, recognizing the lack of honour given to God in the world. They take to heart the afflictions of the Church, mourning not only for their own afflictions but also for the afflictions of the Church. Blessed are those who mourn in this way.
Next, all those who mourn in a gracious manner.
You may ask, when does one mourn in a gracious way and manner?
First, when one experiences any form of suffering, the heart willingly surrenders to God, honouring Him in that condition into which He has placed it. This surrender is not forced but voluntary.
Secondly, those whose mourning is regulated by grace. Their mourning is guided by faith, love, and hope. They do not mourn as those who have no hope. Grace governs their mourning, setting boundaries for their waves of sorrow.
Thirdly, when mourning leads the heart to long for God. They mourn not primarily because comfort is gone, but because they are deprived of something good that could help them progress in their relationship with God. Their souls mourn after God in the midst of any affliction.
Fourthly, those who mourn have a great concern for fulfilling the responsibilities of their mournful condition. This is a crucial aspect to consider in the blessedness of mourning. Those who mourn take into account the duty that God requires of them in that particular condition. Ordinary men and women are often preoccupied with their afflictions, their thoughts constantly focused on them. But in gracious mourning, the soul is concerned about the work. It is not a sullen mourning but a mourning that is active and stirring. The heart is engaged. In John 16:20, it is compared to a woman in labour.
Jesus says, "You will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy." A woman experiences sorrow during childbirth because her time has come. But as soon as she delivers the baby, she forgets the pain, overwhelmed with joy that a child is born into the world. This illustrates that the mourning of the saints should resemble the sorrow of a woman in labour, with some good coming out of it. This is a valuable meditation for us. When we find our hearts burdened with sorrow, we should consider the purpose of our labour. We can never find comfort in our mourning unless we bring forth something through our sorrow. Even if the Lord keeps them mourning throughout their lives, they are blessed.
For they shall be comforted; comfort will come. Now, the reason for this blessedness arises, first, from the mourning itself—secondly, from the promise. Surely, it is a blessed thing to be such a mourner.
First, because the lower our hearts are in submitting to God in this mournful condition, the greater is our reverence for God, who has brought us into this condition. The Lord brings His people into a mournful condition. And the lower their hearts are in submission to God, the greater is the respect they show to Him. There is a great deal of grace exercised in a gracious mourning.
Secondly, a mournful condition, when governed by grace, brings much good to the soul. It eradicates the rankness in the hearts of individuals. Naturally, there is rankness in everyone's heart, especially when they indulge their fleshly desires. Like weeds that grow vigorously in the summertime, winter frosts nip the weeds and keep them in check. If it is a prolonged frost, it kills them. Similarly, a sanctified mournful condition has the power to kill the vermin, to kill our lusts. It serves as a special means of mortification in the soul.
Therefore, blessed are those who mourn and conduct themselves graciously in a mournful condition.
Thirdly, it delivers from many temptations. You may think that a life of merriment and extravagance is the only happy life. But know that there are far more temptations in that life than in a mournful condition. It is true that temptations exist in a mournful condition— temptations to despair or to resort to unlawful means to alleviate the situation. However, the temptations in a jovial condition are more in line with a person's nature and, therefore, more dangerous. Hence, blessed are those who are kept in a mournful condition if God grants them the ability to sanctify His name in it.
Fourthly, those in a mournful condition are blessed because God has chosen that condition for them at the most opportune time. When a person is sick, bitter things are more appropriate than sweet things.
We are all frail and ailing creatures, and it is a great mercy of God to select a mournful condition, with its bitterness, for us at this stage of our lives, rather than sweet and indulgent things. If God subdues your heart so that you are willing to accept this, blessed are you. For you now mourn when it is most fitting to mourn—a mournful state is suitable for us considering the conditions we face in this world. You may desire jollity, much like a poor sick person yearning for sweet delicacies. But blessed are you if you are willing to submit to God's choice for you.
Fifthly, and most importantly in this text, they shall be comforted.
This is only to make the comforts sweeter for you when they do arrive. The Lord is simply shaping your soul according to His own will and leading you to greater comfort. Just as when a person intends to build a grand structure, the stones that they primarily use for construction are hewn and polished to be comely and suitable for the building, while other stones are not given the same attention. So, it is an indication that the Lord has great things in store for you, great comforts. He is now preparing you in your mournful condition for significant comfort. You shall be comforted.
For first, there is a time coming when all tears shall be wiped from your eyes. Just read Revelation 7 from verse 14 to the end, and you will discover what is promised to God's people who endure a mournful condition in this world.
Moreover, not only will all tears be wiped away, but you shall also receive the fulfillment of all the promises. It is challenging to overlook the numerous promises found in Isaiah 35:10 and chapter
51:3, among others. As you continue reading through the book of God, you will encounter many similar promises. And among these promises is the assurance of Christ's second coming, as mentioned in John 16:20. This serves as great comfort, for Christ declares that although you weep and lament now, you will be comforted. Jesus
Christ promises that upon His return, you shall have the privilege of enjoying His presence and all the blessings He has obtained through His blood. Rest assured, if you ever become a partaker of all the good that Jesus Christ has acquired through His sacrifice, you will lack no comfort.
Furthermore, your comfort will be proportionate to your sorrow.
Just as it is said of the whore of Babylon, "so much as her pleasure has been, so much torment give her." In contrast, as much sorrow as you have experienced for the sake of Christ's name, you will receive an equal measure of joy and comfort. Christ has prepared many mansions in His Father's house, and He has comforts ready in proportion to all your sorrow and mourning. It is possible that if you had a more comfortable life in this world, you might have less comfort reserved for you in the hereafter.
"They shall be comforted."
But when will they be comforted? When will this comfort be bestowed upon them? They shall be comforted when the wicked are sorrowful. Isaiah 65:13 describes the contrasting conditions of the saints and the ungodly. The Lord God says, "Behold, my servants shall eat, but you shall be hungry; behold, my servants shall drink, but you shall be thirsty; behold, my servants shall rejoice, but you shall be ashamed; behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but you shall cry for sorrow of heart and wail for vexation of spirit."
Therefore, you shall find comfort when the ungodly are put to shame.
Secondly, you shall be comforted when the Lord imparts His choicest mercies to you. During this time of your life, the Lord does communicate with you, but only to a limited extent compared to what He intends. This present life is not the opportune time for experiencing true comfort. Consider what Abraham said to Dives:
"Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented." It is far better, my brethren, not to seek our comforts and rewards in this life because it is not the time for God to unveil the fullness of His mercy. All the things of this world are but a few crumbs. I recall Luther's words regarding the entire Turkish Empire: it is merely a crumb of bread that the Master of the house throws to the dogs. They have their crumbs here, but there will come a time when God will bestow His choicest mercies, opening all the treasures of His grace and sharing them with His saints. They shall be comforted.
Lastly, we shall find comfort when we are more capable of receiving it than we are now. This is the best time to be comforted. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. And this comfort that the mourners will receive...
Shall be, first and foremost, a pure comfort. We may experience some sweetness in life, but it is often mixed with poison or other troubles. However, the comfort promised to the mourners will be pure, free from danger and the troubles of this world.
Secondly, these comforts are spiritual in nature. By this, I do not simply mean that they will provide comfort to the soul rather than satisfying carnal desires, as most worldly comforts do. It goes beyond that. These comforts will primarily originate within the soul and radiate to the body. Our current comforts usually begin with external
factors and bring comfort to the heart through bodily sensations. But the comforts of the saints will first be experienced in their souls and then extend to their bodies.
Furthermore, these comforts are divine. All comfort ultimately comes from God in one way or another, but the comfort promised here will come directly from God Himself. Our current comforts are often received indirectly, through various channels. However, the comforts of the saints will be directly from God. They will be in alignment with His nature and bring Him joy. Your joy in worldly pleasures, such as drinking, merriment, and revelry, may bring you temporary happiness. But does God find joy in these things? No, true comfort for the saints is found in the consolations of the Almighty. If your comfort is holy and gracious, it brings joy not only to your own heart but also to the heart of God. There is joy in heaven, and God rejoices with you. No comfort should satisfy a heart that has communion with God unless it bears the evidence that God rejoices alongside your joy. So, seek this assurance in the midst of your joy.
Thirdly, it is a complete comfort. Ask, and you shall receive, so that your joy may be full. It would be insufficient to say, "Blessed is a sick person, for they shall have health." That would be a weak expression because health is merely the removal of sickness. However, when
Christ says, "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted," He means that they will experience a fullness of comfort that will far outweigh any sorrow they have endured. They will enter into the joy of their Master, rather than the joy entering into them.
Moreover, this comfort is strong. It can withstand any affliction or opposition, as stated in Hebrews 6:18.
Fifthly, it is an eternal consolation. As mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:16 and 2 Timothy 2:11, it is a faithful saying that if we have died
with Christ, we shall also live with Him. If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him. Mourning is like a seed that will undoubtedly yield a harvest. In Psalm 97, it is referred to as a seed: "Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy." Similarly, in Psalm 126, the same concept is expressed. The mourning of the saints is their sowing season, and a harvest will surely come.
Furthermore, the Lord takes pleasure in communicating Himself to His saints, and therefore, they must be comforted. God rejoices in being called "The God of all comfort," and He comforts us in all our tribulations.
They must indeed be comforted because God has made promises to that effect. Additionally, God the Father has anointed Jesus Christ to be a Comforter, as stated in Isaiah 61. Just as Jesus Christ was appointed by God the Father to proclaim good news to the poor in spirit, He was also anointed to bring comfort to those who mourn. It is as if God says, "I appoint you, my Son, for this task," and we can be certain that Christ will faithfully fulfill His role as Comforter.
Lastly, they shall be comforted because the Holy Spirit, who is equal with the Father and the Son and is glorious in His work, derives His name from this very purpose. The Holy Spirit, known as the Comforter, has the same glorious essence as the Father and the Son.
If the works of the Father and the Son are glorious—such as the creation of all things and the redemption of mankind—then the work of the Holy Spirit must also possess a corresponding glory.
Therefore, it is inevitable that you will be comforted as long as the Holy Spirit exists, as His work must be glorious.
Oh, the stark contrast between the comforts of worldly hearts and those of the saints! Your comfort comes from indulging in drink, gambling, and other carnal pleasures. But what difference is there
between finding comfort in a pint of beer or a game of cards and finding comfort in the Holy Spirit, whom God the Father and the Son have appointed to be your eternal Comforter? And you, who disregard the comforts of the saints and prefer to satisfy your carnal desires through eating, drinking, and playing, what does the language of your soul say? "Lord, let me find comfort in food and drink rather than in the work of the Holy Spirit." We hear from Your word that the Holy Spirit is designated by Yourself and Your Son to be the Comforter of the saints. Yet, these are the comforts you have no interest in. You would rather indulge in earthly pleasures and take a chance on whether you will have any share in the comforts of the Holy Spirit. But despite this, those of you with mournful spirits, who continue to mourn and deny yourselves the sensual comforts that others indulge in, do not be discouraged. Instead, bless yourself in your God, bless yourself in the assurance that Christ has promised you comfort.
I have briefly touched upon the main points that shed some light on the interpretation of these words. However, I had intended to provide further application, specifically addressing the people of God and offering some help in their comfort. If Jesus Christ has declared that they shall be comforted, it is the responsibility of all people to provide comfort to them, especially the Ministers of Christ. I will now speak a few words concerning what applies to all of us based on what has been discussed.
Firstly, we can see the immense value of religion and godliness. It has the power to bring comfort to the most mournful conditions in the world. Even if a person has lost everything they possessed, if they are godly, religion will reveal how they can still find blessedness in that situation. The blessedness of the godly is not contingent on their circumstances. While others in the world may lament and be filled
with sadness over their losses, you can find satisfaction in knowing that you have not lost your happiness. You may have lost your wealth and external comforts that once brought you delight, but your blessedness does not reside in worldly pleasures; it resides in your relationship with God. Therefore, do not shy away from godly sorrow just because it brings trouble and affliction. Do not be deceived by the temptations of Satan, which keep many souls in bondage and prevent them from walking in the ways of God. Some people, upon embracing godliness, fear that they will never experience joy again.
But we see that there is an abundance of comfort proclaimed by Christ Himself, even in the duty that seems contrary to mirth.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." If your enemies prevail against you and hold you captive, your blessedness remains intact because of your godliness. If your body is plagued by sickness and severe pain, you can still be blessed in your godliness.
Even if you have lost your friends, you are still blessed. Therefore, do not be afraid of godliness simply because it may bring some trouble and sorrow. Many men and women fear to embrace godliness because they believe it will take away their joy. Do not be fooled by this temptation. It is true that religion may bring about certain sorrows and afflictions that you did not experience before. You may suffer more for the cause of God, and you may feel greater remorse for your sins. Religion may bring additional outward sorrows and afflictions. However, the comforts it brings far outweigh the sorrows.
Therefore, do not hesitate to be one of Christ's mourners, for Christ has committed Himself to comfort you. Just as Egypt had more venomous creatures than other countries but also had more remedies to cure them, religion may bring sorrows and troubles, but it also offers abundant healing and help.