GODLY SORROW = REPENTANCE

GODLY SORROW = REPENTANCE

Matthew 5:4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

To “mourn” is to grieve. The Israelites mourned over the losses they had experienced through the years. The Temple at this time was a fraction of the size it was in Solomon’s day. It’s splendor had dwindled as well. The Israelites, though they had some religious freedom, were captive to the Roman government. This was another reason to grieve. But the biggest reason for them to grieve is the reason they and the Temple were in this condition. It was because of sin.

2 Corinthians 7:10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

We’ve all seen people cry on national television because some “indiscretion” has come to light. The question arises in us, “Is this person grieving because they got caught, or because they really see the devastation of their sin?” In other words, “Are they sorry enough to make a change?” I see it with my grandchildren. One will hit the other causing a cacophony of screaming, crying, wailing and gnashing of teeth. A parent will get involved and part of the discipline involved is to make the offending party tell the victim, “I’m sorry for hitting you.” Sometimes the apology comes with little cajoling and sometimes it comes after more screaming, crying, wailing and gnashing of teeth. Is it true godly sorrow or godly mourning if in 30 minutes we are re-living the entire scenario all over again?

Most theologians seem to agree that the type of mourning Jesus is talking about here is godly sorrow over one’s own sin, the sin of her people and her nation. Do you mourn over your sin? Do you mourn over the sin you see around you? Do you mourn over the sin of your nation?

Those who do so will be comforted. Mourning over your own sin that leads to repentance (See “REPENT” from July 8 for more on this) results in salvation. What an awesome comfort that is; saved from eternal death, from hell; saved to a new abundant life in Christ and saved to eternal life with Him forever. And He gives His Holy Spirit, the Comforter to each of His children (John 14:16).

Read this Old Testament promise in Isaiah… Isaiah 61:1-4 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon Me, for the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.  (2)  He has sent Me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD's favor has come, and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemies.  (3)  To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for His own glory.  (4)  They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations.

Jesus quotes from this passage in Luke 4. He is the fulfillment of this promise. Count the number of times the word, “mourn” is used here and look at the blessings that are coming to those who do so.

Today I urge you to see your own sin as God sees it. He does not laugh, nor joke about our sin. It breaks His heart and it causes great trouble for us and for our nation. Proverbs 14:34 NKJV Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.

Please note that this sorrow that leads to repentance does not lead to discouragement, depression or suicide. That kind of sorrow is worldly sorrow. See 2 Cor 7:10 above. 

James 4:7-10 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  (8)  Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.  (9)  Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy.  (10)  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor.

Oh Lord God, May we see our sin the way You see it. May we truly grieve such that our hearts turn away from sin and turn to You and Your righteousness. May others see our lives and know we are Your true disciples because we keep Your commands and truly love each other. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!