Good MourningSample
Victory in Christ
Sin and all its consequences were conquered through Jesus Christ 2000 years ago. "But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57, NLT). The fact that we continue mourning the effects of sin on the earth confirms the stark contrast between eternal life in Christ and the suffering we endure now. The fact that we acknowledge that the current state of the world is not how God intended it to be, is the first step towards mourning and being blessed!
"The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God" (Psalms 51:17, NLT). God welcomes his mourning children into his arms with a great longing to comfort them. He rejoices with the angels when lost children mourn in repentance, anticipating the joy that awaits. "The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!" (Mark 1:15, NLT).
The Covid-19 pandemic will not last forever. It will pass, leaving the world looking different than before, but with humankind still broken. Until the day when Christ returns to make everything new, we will struggle with balancing mourning and joy in our lives. Like Jesus did. "Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2, NLT). Does that mean that Jesus experienced no joy while He was on earth? No, not at all!
About this Plan
"Blessed are those who mourn..." (Matthew 5:4, NIV) How is that supposed to work? Throughout Scripture, we are encouraged to have joy in all circumstances. Could there be a link between joy and mourning?
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