On j.t., a Believing Boy
The sermon reflects on the life of a believing boy, emphasizing hope in Christ and the joy of eternal reunion after death.
Robert Murray M'Cheyne reflects on the life and faith of a young boy who faced death with a bright spirit and unwavering belief in Christ. Despite the sorrow of his family, the boy expressed his love for them and his desire to be with Christ, showing a profound understanding of eternal life. M'Cheyne emphasizes the hope of reunion in heaven, encouraging parents to find solace in the promise of resurrection and the joy of meeting their loved ones again. The sermon serves as a reminder of the comfort found in faith during times of grief and loss.
Text
Who died Feb. 1842.
I LITTLE thought, when last we met,
Thy sun on earth was nearly set -
I said what I can ne'er forget,
"Dear boy, we'll meet again."
Though thou wert tossed upon thy bed,
And sometimes criedst, "My head, my head;"
Yet still the smile came back - I said,
"Fair boy, we'll meet again."
No hope thy weeping mother had.
Thy sister's face was pale and sad,
But thine was always bright and glad -
Dear boy, we'll meet again.
"'Twas kind," thou saidst, "in God to die
For worms like me. Once I would fly
A darkened room - now Christ is nigh" -
Fair boy, we'll meet again.
"I love you well, my mother dear -
"I love you all, yet shed no tear -
I'd rather be with Christ than here -
Farewell, we'll meet again.
"I fain would live to preach to men;
But, if my God should spare till then,
I would be loth to die again" -
Dear boy, we'll meet again.
The Sabbath-sun rose bright and clear
When thine was setting on us here,
To shine more bright in yonder sphere -
Farewell we'll meet again.
I stood beside thy silent bed,
Thy marble brow was cold and dead,
Thy gentle soul was fled - was fled -
Dear boy, we'll meet again.
I saw thee in thy narrow rest,
The clods upon thy coffin pressed,
The clouds dropped tears, yet in my breast
God said, "We'll meet again."
Yes, parents, smile through all your tears,
A crown of life your darling wears,
The grave a shady porch appears,
To where we'll meet again.
The precious dust beneath that lies,
Shall at the call of Jesus rise,
To meet the Bridegroom in the skies,
That day we'll meet again.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Reflection on the boy's life and death - The hope of reunion in Christ - The impact of faith on suffering
- II points: - The mother's grief and the boy's joy - The significance of the boy's faith - The assurance of eternal life
- III points: - The call to preach and live for Christ - The promise of resurrection - The comfort of God's presence in mourning
- IV points: - The imagery of the grave as a resting place - The joy of meeting again in heaven - The encouragement for grieving parents
Key Quotes
“''Twas kind, thou saidst, ''in God to die for worms like me.''” — Robert Murray M'Cheyne
“I'd rather be with Christ than here - Farewell, we'll meet again.” — Robert Murray M'Cheyne
“Yes, parents, smile through all your tears, a crown of life your darling wears.” — Robert Murray M'Cheyne
Application Points
- Find comfort in the promise of eternal life when facing loss.
- Encourage others to live and preach the message of Christ.
- Remember that grief can coexist with hope and joy in the Lord.