October 14

Into God the Lord belong the issues from death.

PSALM lxviii. 20.

Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. — MATT. ix. 24.

THREE times during his earth-life Jesus invades death, and calls the loved ones back. First it is the only son of a widow: then the only daughter of bereaved parents; and again the only brother of two sisters. What a comment on the heart of Christ! We are never so bewildered in sorrow that he will not come to us. None but Jesus can speak comfort to a bereaved heart. His tenderness and love and hope are a balm on the wounded spirit. His truth crowns the shadow of death with light. There is no deeper sorrow in a home than when an only daughter lies dead. — so young, so tender, so sweet; and death so cruel! Jesus once in the home of sorrow, all is changed; dead to us, but to him she “sleepeth.” There is calm repose, peaceful slumber, sweet rest, certain waking. Where the loving and mighty Christ comes, all sorrow must “give place.” Cold philosophy, mournful crying, old death must stand aside. Jesus has conquered death. He gives us again our loved ones in a higher, holier, sweeter, and endless life. His words, “The maid is not dead but sleepeth,” in the sorrowing heart commingle ever with the sweet assurance from Bethany, “I am the resurrection and the life.” And this is our hope for ourselves, and for those we need so much, and love so well.


Though we may mourn

Those in life the dearest,

They shall return,

Christ, when thou appearest!

Soon shall thy voice

Comfort those now weeping,

Bidding rejoice

All in Jesus sleeping.

DAYMAN