Matthew 5:4 AMP
[4] “Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted].
As we read yesterday, there is special access given to people who have made up their minds to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, and are striving to follow and obey Him on a daily basis. As always, there are instructions for the disciple, and other directives for the crowd. The expectations from the crowd are not the same as those for the disciple; one is not yet committed to the cause, and is free to flow in any direction that the wind may blow. It is not so for the disciple; the decision to surrender is not one to be taken carelessly or without thought. There are no guarantees of a smooth life, but there are ful guarantees of support and help when you need them.
This is why the message in the verse above is critical for us today. Let it not be that a man thinks he is now above the power of sin because of salvation. Yes, that is what you get, but the power over sin does not come from muscles, brainpower, brawn, influence or connections, but from the One who tasted and defeated sin and death on the cross. He is the One who provides all that I need for life and Godliness. By His help, I can face the fiery darts or the schemes of the devil. I am not in any position to beat my own chest, and rely on anything I have to beat the devil at his own game. The victory comes from God, and it is secured by total and daily dependence on the Holy Spirit.
So that there is no temptation for anyone to think it is impossible to live a life free of sin, remember that the help we need does not come from anything we are, have or know, but from the God who knows, loves and cherishes us. He will not let go of us, and will not leave us to our own devices. Even if it happens that we fall, He does not let go, and He will do all He can, like the Good Shepherd, to restore us to full fellowship with Him. This is why a daily walk with God is critical here: do not let the devil utilize a guilty conscience to drive you farther away from the Help that is present as well as eternal. Even if I fall, I have the sure word of God that He will help me up.
As the verse above makes clear, it becomes important for me to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, so I know when I am wrong, and can take immediate steps to return. If the sensitivity is lost, it becomes harder to be pricked by sin. For all who mourn over their sins and repent, the assurance is that they will be comforted. The bible makes clear that there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repent, and I can add that there is also joy when one who has fallen also gets up again. I have all the help I need to live above sin, and I know that no matter what happens, I am not alone. What comfort! What joy! What hope! Do you have these? God's time of favour is here.
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