Our Scripture meditation is based on Matthew 5:4, part of the Gospel reading for All Saints’ Day.
[4] “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Over the centuries this teaching of Jesus has caused Christians to re-read the Scripture verse. We had to make sure we really read what we thought we read.
This is because grief brings from within us some of our most powerful emotions. Death can bring a sense of loss that we experience, to varying degrees, the rest of our earthly lives. How then can death somehow make us blessed?
If these were not the Jesus’ words, then I couldn’t provide an adequate answer. Yet these are Jesus’ words.
Jesus, who told his friend Martha in John chapter 11: “…I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, [26] and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die…” (John 11:25–26)
Jesus, who hold his followers in John chapter 14: “…[1] “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. [2] In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. [4] And you know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:1–4)
Because Jesus made these promises, the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4: “[13] But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. [14] For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. (1 Thessalonians 4:13–14)
Does this mean we no longer mourn loved ones falling asleep in the Lord? No, we grieve. It does mean we’re blessed to receive comfort from God in that mourning. This comfort also gives us hope for our entering eternity with Jesus.
God’s blessings upon you on All Saints’ Day. Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 