Letters: Rev. d.m.m'intyre, College Park, on His Acceptance of the Call to Finnieston (1)
The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and continued prayer, even in times of transition and uncertainty.
Andrew Bonar expresses gratitude for Rev. D.M. M'Intyre's acceptance of the call to Finnieston, recognizing it as an answer to prayer. He reflects on the bittersweet experience of leaving a beloved congregation, noting that this transition may lead to greater sanctification. Bonar shares testimonies of blessings that occurred after his departure, emphasizing that the Lord, as the true Shepherd, continues to gather His flock. He encourages ongoing prayer and support for one another in their ministry endeavors, affirming that God equips those He calls.
Text
GLASGOW, 24th June 1891. MY DEAR MR. M'INTYRE, --I am very very thankful for your decision, and not I only, but very many here. If you knew all, I think you would recognise the Lord's answer to continued prayer in the whole matter. I have passed through the pain of bidding farewell to an attached and prayerful flock, but it may be a step higher in sanctification. I heard also in my own case of three distinct cases of blessing to unsaved ones that were brought out clearly after I had left them.
The Lord Himself was the Shepherd who gathered in the wanderers, when their under-shepherd was away, and I am not sure but that the presence of the under-shepherd might have been a hindrance.
Let us go on praying for each other, dear brother and fellow-soldier, and believe me, yours truly in Him who sends no one on warfare at his own charges, ANDREW A. BONAR
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- Leaving a flock
- The Lord's sovereignty in gathering the wanderers
- The Lord as the Shepherd
- The under-shepherd as a potential hindrance
Key Quotes
“I think you would recognise the Lord's answer to continued prayer in the whole matter.” — Andrew Bonar
“I am not sure but that the presence of the under-shepherd might have been a hindrance.” — Andrew Bonar
Application Points
- We should trust in God's sovereignty and provision in all circumstances, even when it's difficult to understand His ways.
- Continued prayer is essential for growth in Christ and for recognizing the Lord's answer to our prayers.
- We should not be hindered by our own limitations or presence, but rather recognize that God is the true Shepherd who gathers the wanderers.