The Purpose of Need
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
MATTHEW 5:4
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The Purpose of Need
This is the right kind of sacrifice, one that pleases God, . . . namely, a soul that has no comfort among creatures and is even forsaken and persecuted by itself, so that it looks for nothing but the pure grace of God. Those who weep are blessed, for they shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4) . . .. Those who are illustrious and exalted and dwell in the light of men do not want to be troubled and sad. They have comfort and joy in the present life and in the works of their own strength, wisdom, and righteousness; they do not need God. But I, who am so poor in these things, know of no other comfort than this, that God in times past has permitted all His saints to experience need and has never sustained anyone through his own works, abilities, knowledge, or piety. Thus Psalm 44:1-3: "O God, we have heard, our fathers have told us, what deeds Thou didst perform in their days, how Thou didst drive out and afflict the heathen, that Thou mightest plant them in their land. For indeed, not with their swords did they possess the land, nor did their own power help them, but Thy power and the gracious light of Thy countenance; for it pleased Thee to do this even though they did not deserve it."
From Seven Penitential Psalms (Luther's Works 14:198-99)
MATTHEW 5:4
+
The Purpose of Need
This is the right kind of sacrifice, one that pleases God, . . . namely, a soul that has no comfort among creatures and is even forsaken and persecuted by itself, so that it looks for nothing but the pure grace of God. Those who weep are blessed, for they shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4) . . .. Those who are illustrious and exalted and dwell in the light of men do not want to be troubled and sad. They have comfort and joy in the present life and in the works of their own strength, wisdom, and righteousness; they do not need God. But I, who am so poor in these things, know of no other comfort than this, that God in times past has permitted all His saints to experience need and has never sustained anyone through his own works, abilities, knowledge, or piety. Thus Psalm 44:1-3: "O God, we have heard, our fathers have told us, what deeds Thou didst perform in their days, how Thou didst drive out and afflict the heathen, that Thou mightest plant them in their land. For indeed, not with their swords did they possess the land, nor did their own power help them, but Thy power and the gracious light of Thy countenance; for it pleased Thee to do this even though they did not deserve it."
From Seven Penitential Psalms (Luther's Works 14:198-99)
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The Arm of GodSigns and PromisesThe Calling in Your HeartOur Active GodAmazing HelpThe Purpose of BaptismHave Courage to BelieveToo Soon ForgottenThe Unexpected ChangeSustained by TrustHe Who Bears All SinsA Wonderful VictoryWhen God SpeaksOur Faithful ShepherdThe Purpose of ScriptureOne Little WordThe Supreme ConsolationA Thorn in the FleshNever Doubt RedemptionThis Is the VictoryLet Your Faith Be FirmA Pure Dwelling PlaceBuilding an Eternal HouseGlorious PromisesNoble and Necessary ChastisementOur New MotivationGod Will Preserve His ChurchGod's Will, Christ's PurposeOur Savior DefinedFalse Saintliness
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The True Center of SalvationThe Purpose of GovernmentWhat Is a Good Work?The Chief DoctrineA Simple ExplanationJoyful NewsHarmless NoiseIn God's HandsTreasure in Weak VesselsThe Pure, Clear WordWas It Better Before?Responsibility to OthersTrue EqualityA Broad InterpretationThe Flesh Is WeakWhen Pity Is WrongNo Sin AllowedTake the High RoadGod Is TrueSetting an ExampleThe Spirit Giveth LifeThe Christian LawBeware of False ShepherdsThe Lofty and the LowlyIn the Hour at HandLearning to CallWhen the Wicked SucceedTake up Your Cross
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On Godly BehaviorThe Sheep of ChristThe Calm after the StormOn Becoming a ChristianEternal FoodConcerning Knowledge and PowerFight PowerfullyThe Yoke of ChristThe Obedient ChristThe Fulfillment of the LawDivine RighteousnessThe Gospel Is PublicTo Live as a ChristianThe Promise of GodlinessWhy Is Christ Punished?Blind Human NatureHave Faith Like ChildrenThe Spirit of TruthWaiting for GodTo Know GodThe Purpose of NeedWho Is an Apostle?When Salvation BeginsTrust in GodThe Time for RescueGod Is UnchangeableThere Is No Secret SalvationA Chosen RaceFeast of St. Michael and All AngelsWhat to Pray ForGod's Goodness