Good Mourning

Greeting

Isaiah 2:3 ESV

Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.

Today we join every Christian in worship, whether they are across town, across the country, or across the world. Kindred hearts connected on the mountain with the Lord. If you are visiting with us, we are especially blessed. Please take a moment to connect with us through that QR code on the back of the pew in front of you and let us know what’s on your mind.

Directory photos!

Grabber

When I was about 12, I carried a blue velcro wallet. While in OKC for Christmas I collected all my Christmas Cash in that wallet. Then lost it. I cried.

Crying is a natural part of the human experience. It may indicate sadness, joy, frustration, or even anger. But, usually, we cry over sadnes,s loss, loneliness, discouragement, disappointment, despair, depression, and pain. Often we try to avoid sorrow and distract ourselves with amusement, pleasure, and thrill seeking. David lamented, Psalm 55:4–8 “My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me. And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest.”” He wanted to get away from sorrow.

It is against this backdrop God says: Matthew 5:4 ““Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Introduction

God’s call for Kingdom citizens to embrace sorrow and mourning is another indication that Kingdom Living is different from the world.

After telling the crowd that happy and blessed people are poor in spirit, Jesus tells them, “Happy are the sad.” How does that work? Why does that work?

Today we turn our attention to the second beatitude in a lesson I’m calling “Good Mourning.”

Discussion

The Character: Mourning (Matt 5:4)

Matthew 5:4 ESV

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Worldly Sorrow. Jesus does not mean every moment of sorrow will receive comfort from God.

Some people mourn lost lusts - Amnon mourned over not getting Tamar 2 Samuel 13:2 “And Amnon was so tormented that he made himself ill because of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible to Amnon to do anything to her.

Some people mourn over lost property - Ahab mourned not getting Naboth’s vineyard 1 Kings 21:4 “And Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him, for he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food.”

Surely we can see that comfort is not given to those who sorrow because they do not get their selfish desires.

Godly Sorrow. Leads to repentance, 2 Corinthians 7:10 “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”

In the New Testament there are nine different words that mean grief or mourning. Each one more poignant than the last. Here Jesus uses the strongest word. It carries the heaviest burden, the bitterest gall, and the sharpest pain. πενθέω to be sad, lament, mourn, bewail.

Building on the idea of spiritual poverty, it seems the blessing of mourning grows from our spiritual condition. If we take our cues from God, and rejoice in what he rejoices over and weep over what he weeps, then our own sins ought to be the cause of our mourning. Like Luke in the presence of Jesus realizing his own sinful condition, (Luke 5:8) We raise our voices in lament over what sin has done to us.

Brings death (Rom 6:23; Eph 2:1-2)

Controls us (Rom 6:12)

Oppresses us (John 8:34)

Stirs conflict (James 4:1-4)

Leads to eternal separation from God (2 Thes 1:7-9)

But it is not just our sins, but the world corrupted by sin. See how sin brings abuse, hate, chaos, and suffering. Yet, sin is embraced, encouraged, exalted, and applauded. Like in the days of Jeremiah, our culture has forgotten how to blush Jeremiah 6:15 “Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown,” says the Lord.”

The “seven deadly sins” don’t seem as deadly as they once were! Lust, Greed, Pride, Gluttony, Wrath, Sloth, Envy.

Lying is justified to avoid offense or because it comes from the powerful.

Killing is justified because life is inconvenient.

Hate is justified because someone has a different opinion.

The Consequence: Comfort

The happiness that comes from God cannot begin until the “happiness” that we get from sin ends. Not perfection, but perception. As we realize sin matters, we change our minds/heart/attitudes about it. If you found a medallion that was beautiful and every time you wore it people complimented you, but it was radioactive and each time you wore it, it made you and those you were around sicker and weaker, would you wear it? Sin is radioactive. It disfigures, distorts, and destroys us body, soul, and spirit.

But in repentance, there is comfort. Happiness knowing God forgives.

David was exhausted trying to deal with his sins Psalm 32:3–4 “For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah” David was hiding his sins, ignoring them, trying to outrun them, but nothing brought David the comfort he sought. His bones wasted away.

Then he said, Psalm 32:5–6 “I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.”

It is simple really: Only when we cry over our sins do we show godly sorrow that leads to repentance. And only with repentance/obedience can we be forgiven and receive God’s gift of comfort. Only that kind of comfort brings eternal happiness. David began Psalm 32:1–2 “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.”

Application

Imagine a church filled with spiritual mourners. Seeking to avoid sin at any cost. Running to God for comfort in their moments of weakness. Living transparent with sins before a loving God. Then allowing God’s Spirit to work through their lives to reach a world infatuated with sin. Shutting down sin one soul at a time. That’s good mourning!

How would this change our lives and those around us? How will it impact the world?

It would put sin and the devil on notice that the Kingdom is here!

So, What?

Mourn the power of sin and allow God’s grace to make it powerless.