Mourning With The World

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

September 21st Sermon, Day 4

The mourning Jesus blesses extends beyond our personal sin to encompass the brokenness of our world. As followers of Christ, we're called not only to recognize our own spiritual poverty but also to feel the weight of suffering around us. Jesus himself was described as "a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief." He wept at the tomb of Lazarus, even knowing he would raise him from the dead. He looked over Jerusalem and mourned for a city that rejected God's love.

To follow Jesus means to develop this same sensitivity to the pain of others. In a world that often encourages us to look away from suffering or numb ourselves to it, Jesus calls us to a different path. He invites us to open our hearts to feel the ache of injustice, the sorrow of violence, and the pain of human rebellion against God.

This isn't about wallowing in despair but about refusing to turn away from reality—both its beauty and its brokenness. When we allow ourselves to mourn with those who mourn, we become more like Christ. We develop His compassion, His tenderness toward the suffering, and His desire to bring healing and justice. And in this Christ-like mourning, we find ourselves blessed—not because suffering itself is good, but because in our mourning we encounter the God who comforts and who promises one day to make all things new.

Bible Verse

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18

Reflection Question

In what ways might God be calling you to open your heart to the suffering in the world around you rather than turning away or becoming numb to it?

Quote "To be blessed as mourners means we don't harden our hearts or numb ourselves to suffering. Instead, we let ourselves feel, feel the ache of injustice, the sorrow of violence, the pain of human rebellion against God."

Prayer

Compassionate God, forgive me for the times I've turned away from the pain of others or hardened my heart to the suffering in our world. Give me the courage to mourn with those who mourn, to feel the weight of injustice and brokenness as Jesus did. Thank you for your promise to draw near to the brokenhearted. Use me as an instrument of your comfort and healing in a hurting world. Amen.