Letters: Rev. Dr. John J. Bonar His Brother, Greenock (1)
Andrew Bonar encourages his brother to view trials as opportunities for growth and glory, and to see time in God's perspective as short and fleeting.
Andrew Bonar shares a heartfelt letter to his brother John, expressing gratitude for his support during a difficult time. He reflects on the trials they face, comparing their painful experiences to the wilderness journey of the Israelites, emphasizing that while they may feel overwhelming, God's perspective reveals them as 'light afflictions' leading to greater glory. Bonar encourages his brother to see beyond the immediate struggles and to trust in the blessings that will follow, as they are part of God's greater plan.
Text
GLASGOW, 28th Oct. 1864.
MY DEAR JOHN,
--I cannot tell how helpful you have been to me during this season. No one could have given more sympathy, no one could have done more to cheer than you have done. I look upon it all as an intimation sent from the Elder Brother, through you, of the sympathy of His heart, for He must have put it into yours. You will surely share in the blessing which I believe this bitter trial has been sent to usher in. But still it is sore. On Wednesday I took up Deut. 1: 19-26 and was led to notice that, while at verses 6-7, the Lord took no notice of the intervening wilderness between Horeb and Canaan, Moses speaks of it, and speaks of it as 'a great and terrible wilderness.' This is our estimate of things, we feel them to the quick.
But God's estimate is different, for He sees the results and He sees the comparative littleness of all this, exactly as Paul is led to say, 'our light affliction,' and also, 'but for a moment.' Oh, if we saw the kingdom close at hand in all its glorious wealth of all things, we too would ever say 'light affliction,' that is the forerunner of such a 'weight of glory.' And, if we could look at time also in God's way, a few years would seem but for a moment. . . .--Your affectionate brother,
ANDREW A. BONAR.
Sermon Outline
- God's Estimate vs. Our Estimate
- The Kingdom is Near
- Time in God's Perspective
- A few years seem but a moment to God
- This perspective can help us view trials as temporary
Key Quotes
“Oh, if we saw the kingdom close at hand in all its glorious wealth of all things, we too would ever say 'light affliction,' that is the forerunner of such a 'weight of glory.'” — Andrew Bonar
Application Points
- We should strive to see our trials as opportunities for growth and glory, rather than as negative experiences.
- By gaining an eternal perspective, we can view time as short and fleeting, and focus on the kingdom of God that is near.
- We should trust in God's ability to bring good out of difficult situations, and have faith that He is working all things together for our good.