Letter: Craignure, Isle of Mull, 18th August 1882.
Andrew Bonar's sermon emphasizes the importance of relying on God's strength during times of suffering and trials.
Andrew Bonar emphasizes the profound weakness of Christ on the Cross, as expressed in Psalm 22, and encourages believers to find strength in Jehovah during their own moments of weakness. He reminds the congregation of Christ's ability to sympathize with their struggles and urges them to claim God's strength in their times of need. Bonar also reassures that God knows the paths we take and that His loving-kindness never fails, promising that trials will lead to spiritual refinement.
Text
GLASGOW, 9th April 1883. MY DEAR MISS MARY, -- Amidst our Communion services yesterday, we did not fail to remember 'a former member of the congregation now lingering in the valley of the shadow of death.' Nor did we forget yourself, watching by the sick while we were in the Sanctuary and at the Table. When reading at the beginning of the services Psalm 22., our attention was drawn to verse 15th, as well as 14th, the utter weakness of Christ on the Cross. 'My strength is dried up like a potsherd,' not even the faint appearance of moisture left.
But even then see what He has!
In verse 19th, He claims Jehovah as His strength! 'O my strength, haste Thee to help Me.' Will you tell your dear sister how well Jesus can sympathise with her in her feeling of absolute and utter weakness; but tell her also, how He at the same time whispers, 'Claim as I did, and cry as I did, Jehovah, My strength!' One word, more especially for yourself, from Job 23:10: 'He knoweth the way that I take.' He who so often tells in Rev. 2. and 3., 'I know thy works,' is saying to you as really, 'I know the way I am leading you. I have made no mistake, nor has my loving-kindness failed. When I have tried thee, thou shalt come forth as gold.' -- Your affectionate pastor, ANDREW A. BONAR.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The significance of remembering those in suffering - The role of the congregation in supporting one another - The importance of prayer during Communion
- II points: - Understanding Christ's weakness on the Cross - The meaning of Psalm 22:14-15 - Christ's reliance on Jehovah for strength
- III points: - Sympathy of Christ with our weaknesses - Encouragement to claim Jehovah as our strength - The assurance of God's guidance in our trials
- IV points: - God's knowledge of our paths - The refining process of trials - The promise of emerging as gold
Key Quotes
“''My strength is dried up like a potsherd.''” — Andrew Bonar
“''O my strength, haste Thee to help Me.''” — Andrew Bonar
“''He knoweth the way that I take.''” — Andrew Bonar
Application Points
- Remember to pray for those who are suffering in your community.
- In moments of weakness, turn to God and claim Him as your source of strength.
- Trust in God's plan and guidance through your personal trials.