Good Mourning Series

Last week – Blessed are the spiritually poor .

I know some felt God speaking to them.

Did you watch it again on YouTube and really take in what Jesus was saying to us?

I had a thought after the service . . .

I remembered a passage in Luke… Luke 18 where Jesus talked about two men.

The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector

9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”

13 ‘But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

14 ‘I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’

One thought he was spiritually rich, and the other thought he was spiritually poor.

Who of them was blessed?

Actually, I thought of that story because it is a great link to the beatitude that comes next.

Jesus gives us a list of things that should be blessings.

It seems so topsey turvy.

Spiritually poor are blessed;

But OK – after last week’s message you see what Jesus meant.

He then continues this list in the greatest sermon.

And I don’t know how this fits with you:

Matthew 5:4…

Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

What?

It’s like, “Happy are those who are sad”

Jesus again seemingly turning things upside down (right way up)

“Mourn”

We don’t use that word much – it’s not in common use in our society – in fact the only time we usually use it is when it comes to a funeral – when someone dies – and people mourn.

Is that what Jesus was talking about?

The New Testament was originally written in Greek.

Some of you know that I struggled with Greek all through college, so I’m definitely no authority on it, but I understand that the Greek language had nine different words in the bible that - in English has been translated, “mourn”.

That tells us that when we read “mourn” in scripture, it is broader than something we do at a funeral.

So what about the word in Matthew 5:4?

The Greek word used was a very strong word – it was the word used as in

wailing,

utter grief,

agony over sin,

suffering and

injustice.

It describes a person whose heart is broken (that word again) by what breaks God’s heart.

Do you mourn like that?

This kind of Mourning is an openness of showing brokenness over what breaks God’s heart.

It’s therefore something that is ongoing – not just at times of death.

Are you broken by what breaks the heart of God?

“Steve, give me some examples” ok

What breaks God’s heart?

Firstly – OTHERS around us

Are you in mourning for your neighbours?

For this country?

For many it’s more like:

“Oh dear – such a pity that my neighbour is like he is”

And

“Our country is not what it used to be, but it’s a sign of the times”

But Jesus is saying that we should be grieving – mourning! –

“God! I’m really concerned. My neighbour so needs You in their life!

s/he so needs to find meaning and love and faith in You.”

I’m pleading on their behalf – use me, send someone, intervene – that they might find peace and joy from You”

“Father! This country is heading in the wrong direction…… I’m in mourning for what is going on. What can I do to bring about justice, and honour to You?”

If you have a heart for the broken

If you are mourning over people and nations,

Jesus says, “you will be comforted”

When was you last deeply moved for someone or some situation?

John 11 death of Lazarus

32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’

33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.

Groaned

This was not for Lazarus – Jesus knew he would rise.

He was deeply moved and groaned when he saw the mourners – moved by their sorrow – compassion for others