I mentioned briefly last week that the first four Beatitudes correlate with the last four – we’re going to see today how the second Beatitude relates directly to the sixth. The second Beatitude says,
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
A few weeks back we discovered that the mourning that Jesus is referring to here is mourning over our sin. Through the mourning process, we ultimately become supremely happy because God comforts us by forgiving us of our sins.
The external manifestation of my mourning over sin is the sixth Beatitude, which says,
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
In the mourning over sin process, God not only comforts me, but he also purifies my heart. This purification of the heart is a part of my continual sanctification process – the process in which God makes my heart less like mine and more like His.
As God transforms my heart, things in my life begins to change. I’m no longer satisfied with the things of this world. I only find true fulfillment, contentment and comfort in Christ. My desires change from self-serving to serving others. Prayer and study become deeper, more intimate and more meaningful. I begin to see every area of my life as worship. My happiness is no longer dependent on anything or any person in this world but is instead totally dependent on God, who does not disappoint, but fulfills my greatest need because He is my greatest need.
In this life you are either growing closer to God or farther away. Will you live the truly blessed life that Jesus describes in the Beatitudes or will you go your own way?
God bless!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
