A different mountain... continued...

It is interesting that the law and the promises were given on different mountains, is it not?  The law was given at Sinai, in the old Southern Kingdom, and the promises (Beatitudes) were given somewhere outside Galilee, in the old Northern Kingdom.  And they are such powerful and different passages of Scripture; one describing how we are to live (while at the same time pointing out our need for a Redeemer, since we cannot ever hope to keep even one of the Ten, let alone all of them), and one describing the opposite view that God and Christ have, versus our own limited human understanding (since we tend to view wealth and status as more important than most things... we all do at times).  However, for those that know me personally, you will know why I say that this is probably my favorite of the Beatitudes.

"Blessed are those who mourn, because they will be comforted."

Matthew 5:4

In my profession, I have the opportunity to see many, many people who mourn.  I watch them almost daily, walking into the building in all manner of moods and attitudes, yet all in mourning.  Some adopt the stance that they are crying because they really miss/will miss the person that has passed away.  Others assume the posture of the "strong one," going through the celebratory practices our modern culture had built in.  And then there's the ones who walk in with no expression at all, looking as if they are ambivalent to the moment or the circumstances.  In truth, these are all mourners... but they mourn in their own way.

The best part of that, though, is that they will each be comforted in their own way, in the way that only God knows will benefit them the most!  That comfort is sometimes evident and obvious to others, and sometimes it is not seen by anyone.  But, as with many things in our lives as Christians, just because it isn't seen does not mean that it isn't there.  And, as this entire passage suggests, our view of things is pretty backwards from the way it should be, and we don't have any grasp on how God actually works.  We never will truly understand all of that this side of Heaven, but we need to have the faith necessary to know that it does still happen!

And for all those who mourn, please know that there are people in my profession... a lot of them... who mourn with you.  We do not have the same understanding of the precise reason for your mourning, but we mourn with you anyway.  And I would encourage anyone who wishes to be that "strong one," believing that this means that they cannot mourn or grieve, to go ahead and let it out.  Mourn, grieve, cry... say what you need to say, and don't let it fester. 

And as you release whatever it is, whether in solitude, in confidence with a trusted friend/pastor/mentor, or in public in eulogistic form, you open the door to be comforted.  As that door opens, acknowledging that God works in mysterious ways in, to, and through all of us, all I would ask is that you remain open to the comfort that will come your way, regardless of whether or not you thought "that person" was capable of bringing comfort to you. 

Also, for those of you feeling the urge to say something comforting to someone, just say it!  Your education and experience in this matter is irrelevant, so long as you speak from the heart.  So pour it out, and allow God to work through you to bring comfort to someone... because that's how it actually happens, you know.

Please make note, it does not say that those who mourn "might" be comforted, or that they "probably" will be comforted... it says that you and I, when we mourn, WILL be comforted.  It's a promise we can rest upon, and I thank God for that.  I give thanks on behalf of every family I have had the privilege to serve, and on behalf of my own family, who have been through mourning and received that comforting.  Thank you, Father.

God bless you all!!!