The Healing Balm of the Gospel

In the second beatitude found in Matthew's gospel, Jesus says "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

What does that mean? Does this include any mourning? Is it a specific type of mourning?

Well, the first beatitude shines light on it, when Jesus says the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are poor in spirit. The second to last beatitude also deals with the kingdom of heaven belonging to a certain type of people. So then, we can say this beatitude is building off of the first one.

To be poor in spirit means you recognize there is no other way but Jesus to be saved. It means you recognize He is your only plea.

But that poverty in spirit must also go hand in hand with mourning - with grief over sin. Paul says godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation.

To enter the kingdom of heaven, we must be broken over our sin. And when we are - when we come to the point of sorrow over our failure of holiness, Jesus gives us this wonderful promise, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

It is when we mourn our sin, that the healing balm of the gospel is applied to our souls. There's a phrase in Jeremiah that says "Is there no balm in Gilead?" Gilead was a place where a medicinal balm was made that could cure wounds. Perhaps you've heard the phrase "The healing balm of Gilead." Friends, there is a greater balm in the gospel of Jesus that heals us and restores us. 

Today, if you find yourself brokenhearted over sin, take heart - for the gospel is your balm. And one day, we shall be like Him, sinning no more, with comfort in its fullness. 

~ Pastor Alexander