Tuesday, 24 May 2022

Matthew 5:4 part 1 of 2

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Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

In Franz Delitzsch's Hebrew translation of the Gospels (a reference book I use often) he has a margin note on Matthew 5:4 with a reference to (specifically verse 2, but I offer more for context.) Isaiah 61:(1 The Ruach Adonai Elohim is on me, because Adonai has anointed me ...) 2 to proclaim the year of Adonai's favor and the day of our God's vengeance, TO COMFORT ALL WHO MOURN [caps added] (3 to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of Adonai, that He may be glorified.)

To "shriek with delight" while mourning seems counter-intuitive. Most of the kingdom of God is counter-intuitive. Much mourning is sadness over the consequences of sin. Yeshua is not talking about such sadness. Yeshua is speaking of godly sorrow over sin itself (and not its consequences). 2 Corinthians 7:10 For the grief that God wills brings a repentance that leads to salvation, leaving no regret. But the world's grief brings death.

The promise here is for (comfort) healing from sin itself. 1 Peter 2:24-25 He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we, removed from sins, might live for righteousness. "By His wounds you were healed." For you like sheep were going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

This is a great description of the comfort that comes to one who is truly grieving out of a repentant heart. Return to the Shepherd and be comforted.