Blessed again means salvation belongs to those who mourn for they will be comforted. Those who mourn are the ones who suffer injustice and wickedness at the hands of the people of this world who are the enemies of God. The world is full of pain, for God is against it and has cursed it. Those who mourn are not the people outside of the Kingdom but those who have been redeemed . There is no better cure from the allegiances to this world than pain. Pain reminds us we are living in a condemned world. Michael W Smith sings "I know there is a prayer flowing from, the longing for the healing to come." The pain of life causes the people of God to put their hope fully on the glory that will be revealed when God establishes the Kingdom of God after the resurrection and the great white throne judgement..The redemption of Jerusalem, the consolation of Israel is what believing Jews were waiting and longing for. For example Luke 2:25 Simeon is waiting for the consolation of Israel. Vs38 Hannah spoke to all about Jesus, who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. They longed for the day when the darkness would be over and the light would come. This hope is expressed in the New moon festivals, The Day of Atonement, the Sabbaths and many other festivals such as Hannukah etc.. Israel would only be redeemed when the suffering servant bore their sins. If God had saved them in the past he would save them again. Isaiah 54:10 speaks of Israel being afflicted and not comforted "Comfort" in Isaiah 40 is declared as the true end to Israels exile and is fulfilled when John the Baptist declared the end of exile by pointing to the Christ, Jesus. For Israel to be comforted is for her suffering in exile to come to an end, and for her sins to be forgiven. Pictures of comfort are God wiping away every tear and filling them everlasting Joy. Isaiah 52:9 the Lord has comforted his people is in context of The Lord returning to Zion to redeem His people and Jerusalem. Isaiah 60:20-21 speaks of "the days of her mourning been ended" in the context of final salvation. Isaiah 62:2 tells us the comfort of the people of God is their exaltation by vindication. We are told the nations will see your vindication and all the kings your glory. No more will you be called forsaken.Indeed the time will come when crying, sadness and pain will no longer be a part of this world. Those who belong to Gods Christ will be saved from pain for evermore and those who weep will indeed laugh and be glad forevermore. |
