July 15

The Mourner Comforted

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. — Matt 5:4 BSB

Through the valley of weeping, we reach Zion. It may seem like mourning and blessing are opposites, but the infinitely wise Savior unites them in this Beatitude. What God has joined together, let no one separate. Mourning over sin—our own and the sins of others—is a mark of God’s faithful people. When the Spirit of grace is poured out on a household, mourning will surely follow. By holy mourning, we receive some of the richest blessings, just as the rarest goods often come to us by water. The mourner is not only blessed in the future; Christ declares them blessed now.

The Holy Spirit will surely comfort those who mourn over sin. They will be comforted by the cleansing blood of Jesus and the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. They will be comforted as they look at the sinfulness of their city or generation, knowing that God will glorify Himself even though people rebel against Him. They will also be comforted with the hope that one day they will be completely free from sin and will dwell forever in the glorious presence of the Lord.