Letters: The Misses Leiper, Crossford (1)
The sermon emphasizes the promise of the Resurrection and the importance of faith in trusting God's plan and sovereignty.
Andrew Bonar comforts the Leiper sisters in their grief, reminding them of Jesus' promise of resurrection and the hope that lies in believing in His purpose. He encourages them to set aside their doubts and focus on the glory of God that will be revealed, assuring them that their brother Lazarus will rise again. Bonar emphasizes the joy and thanksgiving that will accompany the resurrection, where they will reunite with loved ones in perfect health and beauty, with Christ at the center of their joy.
Text
GLASGOW, 17th Feb.1886. DEAR SISTERS 'in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ' ! Do you not hear the Master saying, as He points downwards to our earth and to your dwelling, 'Our friend Lazarus sleepeth! but I am going to awaken him out of his sleep.' Your brother shall rise again, and that day is coming nearer and nearer.
Very likely you may be ready to say in your mourning, 'Lord, if Thou hadst only shown us this or that, we might have been better prepared for the stroke!' Martha and Mary had each of them, her 'If Thou' --but Jesus quietly put that 'if ' aside, and turned their thoughts to their Lord's gracious purpose in it all. 'Said I not unto thee that, if thou wilt believe (for I do not ask thee to feel at present that nothing could be better than what has happened, but simply to believe it is so), thou shalt see the glory of God? What a glorious morning will the Resurrection be!
Not a tear, not a regret, nothing but joy and praise and thanksgiving as we meet one risen friend after another restored to us in everlasting health and holy beauty, with our Elder Brother in the midst smiling on us with infinite affection as He reminds us, 'Said I not unto thee that, if thou wouldst believe, thou shouldst see the glory of God? '--Yours truly, with deepest sympathy, ANDREW A. BONAR
Sermon Outline
- The Promise of the Resurrection
- The Importance of Faith
- The Glory of the Resurrection
- A glorious morning of joy and praise
- Meeting risen friends in eternal health and beauty
Key Quotes
“Said I not unto thee that, if thou wilt believe, thou shalt see the glory of God?” — Andrew Bonar
“Our friend Lazarus sleepeth! but I am going to awaken him out of his sleep.” — Andrew Bonar
“What a glorious morning will the Resurrection be!” — Andrew Bonar
Application Points
- Trust in God's sovereignty, even when you don't understand what's happening.
- Believe in God's plan and purpose, and you will see the glory of God.
- Look forward to the Resurrection with hope and anticipation, knowing that it will be a glorious morning of joy and praise.