I'm back with week 2 of the Beatitudes series, a little study I started within my normal Weekly Truth routine. I'm digging deeper into the Word to discover what these 8 verses in the book of Matthew mean for us as we go about our day-to-day lives, and I'm adding in design by sharing a free phone wallpaper (because as much as I hate to admit it, I often check my phone more frequently than I open my Bible). It's helpful for me to see a verse several times throughout my day, not only for memorization, but to be reminded of Truth.
The Beatitudes, Week 2
Last week we talked about the poor in spirit, those who know who they are in light of who God is and understand their need for a Redeemer. This week's verse goes hand-in-hand with that first beatitude.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4
Although we often associate mourning with death, the scope of this verse goes beyond finding comfort in times of loss. This second beatitude clarifies what it looks like to be poor in spirit. Jesus tells us that those who are grieved by their sin are blessed. Those who feel inadequate and empty in their faults and failures, who are driven to the grace of God, will be comforted.
A great example of mourning over sin is found in Psalm 51. David had been caught in an adulterous affair with Bathsheba, and after being confronted by Nathan the prophet he wrote these familiar words:
"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blog out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgement." Psalm 51:1-4
This is the type of mourning that God blesses: a heartfelt, sincere grief over wickedness and sin. And that's why the first two beatitudes tie in so nicely with each other. Those who are poor in spirit, mourning their evil ways, have nowhere to turn but Jesus. They will be comforted by knowing that their sins are washed away by His blood, and they will inherit the kingdom of God because of His gift of salvation.
So my prayer us this week is that we would mimic this heartfelt repentance and find comfort in Jesus. I pray that the attitude of our hearts will reflect these sweet words of Psalm 15:
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore me to the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit." Psalm 51:10-12
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Each week I design a new iPhone background with a different verse and share it on the blog. Seeing Scripture several times throughout my day reminds me of truth, strengthens my faith, and helps me me memorize God's Word so I can accurately share it with others. Feel free to download, pin, and share these backgrounds as many times as you would like!
