Thirty-First Day: Conclusion.
The sermon emphasizes God's unwavering presence and love, akin to a mother's care, especially in times of trial as illustrated through Psalm 23.
J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the unwavering love and presence of God, likening it to a mother's comforting touch in times of suffering and pain. Just as the dying soldier boy found solace in his mother's presence, we can find peace and assurance in knowing that our good Shepherd will always come to us in our trials and moments of despair.
Text
IN the war of the Rebellion a little drummer boy was injured in the battle. He was carried into the hospital, and one of the soldiers near by heard the doctors say the case was fatal. Immediately he said, "Doctor, if this is true, I must send word to his mother, for I promised to look after this boy."
The letter went away to the North, and as soon as possible the mother came. The doctors met her at the hospital to say that she could not see her boy. He had fallen into a stupor, and if aroused would die in a paroxysm of pain; for he was then beyond all hope.
But you cannot bind up a mother's love with physician's rules, and so she said, "Doctor, if you will permit me to go in, I will not speak to him; but I should like to sit beside him as he dies." Permission was given her, and she took her place by his side. She kept her word and said nothing to her child; but, when she saw by the expression of his face that he was suffering, she leaned over and put her hand upon his brow.
There is something peculiar about the touch of a mother's hand, and the dying soldier boy felt
it. His eyes did not open, but she saw his lips moving; and, bending over, she heard him saying over and over, "I knew you'd come; I knew you'd come." And this I say of our good Shepherd. O thou Shepherd of the sheep, in every hour of trial and time of disappointment and night of misunderstanding "I know that thou wilt come."
And he will.
SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY.
Say over and over the whole psalm, emphasizing the personal and possessive pronouns as here given:--
PSALM 23.
David's confidence in God.
A Psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5. Thou preparest a table before me In the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The love of a mother in times of crisis - The significance of presence in suffering - The power of touch and connection
- II points: - God as our Shepherd - Trusting in God's presence during trials - The assurance of God's love and care
- III points: - The importance of Psalm 23 - Personal application of God's promises - Living in confidence of God's guidance
Key Quotes
“I knew you'd come; I knew you'd come.” — J. Wilbur Chapman
“O thou Shepherd of the sheep, in every hour of trial and time of disappointment and night of misunderstanding 'I know that thou wilt come.'” — J. Wilbur Chapman
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” — J. Wilbur Chapman
Application Points
- Reflect on the personal nature of God's promises in your life.
- Find comfort in the presence of God during your own trials.
- Memorize and meditate on Psalm 23 to strengthen your faith.