Letters: A Servant in His Congregation (1)
The sermon offers comfort and blessing in the midst of suffering, reminding us that we can think of loved ones as 'with Christ' in Paradise and that the Lord intends a peculiar blessing for us.
Andrew Bonar reflects on the comfort found in Christ during times of loss, emphasizing that even in bereavement, believers can find hope in the promise of eternal life and the holiness that comes through affliction. He encourages Margaret to remember that her loved one is with Christ, experiencing a joy beyond earthly understanding. Bonar reassures her that this sorrow may lead to a unique blessing from the Lord, reminding her of the purpose behind suffering as outlined in Hebrews.
Text
CRAIGNURE, ISLE OF MULL, 6th August 1884. DEAR MARGARET, -- I was greatly surprised on receiving your letter. But I suppose you were yourself taken altogether unawares. This comfort, however, you have, sure and full, viz., that E. has only gone to 'the mountain of myrrh and hill of frankincense' for a season, and then shall come back with Christ in immortal health, soul and body.
You can think of her every day as 'with Christ' in the Paradise above, enjoying blessedness to which we here are strangers, and you may be sure that the Lord intends for you some peculiar blessing by this sore bereavement.
What a word that is in Heb. 12:10: affliction sent not only that we may get some profit by it, but 'that we may be partakers of His holiness.' I shall try to remember your afflicted parents as well as yourself When you return to town will you let me know, that I may call ? --Believe me, your affectionate pastor, ANDREW A. BONAR.
Sermon Outline
- The Comfort of Suffering
- The Blessing of Suffering
- The Purpose of Suffering
- To get profit from it
- To be partakers of His holiness
Key Quotes
“affliction sent not only that we may get some profit by it, but 'that we may be partakers of His holiness.'” — Andrew Bonar
Application Points
- We can find comfort in the knowledge that our loved ones are with Christ in Paradise.
- The Lord intends a peculiar blessing for us in the midst of suffering.
- We can be partakers of God's holiness through our suffering.