“Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh…Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.”

Luke 6:21b,25b

Life is full of ups and downs. The author of Ecclesiastes reminds us there is –

a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

Ecclesiastes 3:4

So, when Jesus makes his contrast of those who weep and laugh now, he must be getting at something deeper, don’t you agree?

I think those two groups of people refer to their spiritual status. Those who see their need of the Savior, respond by weeping and repenting of their sin, while those who refuse to acknowledge God now, will not have the last laugh in the end.

I am reminded of James’ words –

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

James 4: 6-10

I think the key is found in the final sentence – Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.