Letters: Rev. Malcolm White, Blairgowrie (1)
The sermon offers comfort in sorrow by reminding us of God's sovereignty and promise of reunion with loved ones in glory.
Andrew Bonar writes to Rev. Malcolm White, offering comfort in the face of sorrow over the loss of a child. He reminds the Whites that while the Lord gives and takes away, there is hope in the promise of resurrection when the little ones will return transformed in glory. Bonar draws a parallel between the sorrow of Joseph's parents and the joy that will come when they are reunited with their child in Christ. He encourages them to find solace in the presence of the Comforter, affirming their faith in God's plan. The letter serves as a heartfelt reminder of the hope and beauty that awaits believers.
Text
STRACHUR, 28th August 1879.
MY DEAR MR. WHITE,--One word to assure Mrs. White and yourself that you are not forgotten in your sorrow. 'The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.' When the Lord Jesus returns, He will bring with Him the little ones who fell asleep in Him, and how changed they will be! When my little boy died I remember Dr. Somerville read at the funeral some passages about Joseph taken from his sorrowing parents, and contrasted with that time of sadness the after-joy and wondrous delight when his father saw Joseph in all his glory! Even so, when your little boy returns with Christ at His coming, how grand and glorious he will be! what knowledge! what holy beauty!
May the Comforter fill your heart with His presence, enabling you both to say to Him, 'Even so, Father!'
Yours truly in Him,
ANDREW A. BONAR.
Sermon Outline
- The Lord's Sovereignty in Life and Death
- The Transformation of the Departed
- Comfort in Sorrow
- The Lord gives and takes away
- The Lord's promise of reunion
- The glory and knowledge of the resurrected
- The holy beauty of the redeemed
- The presence of the Comforter
- The ability to say 'Even so, Father'
Key Quotes
“''The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.''” — Andrew Bonar
“Even so, when your little boy returns with Christ at His coming, how grand and glorious he will be!” — Andrew Bonar
“May the Comforter fill your heart with His presence, enabling you both to say to Him, 'Even so, Father!'” — Andrew Bonar
Application Points
- You can trust God's sovereignty in life and death by remembering His promise to give and take away.
- You can find comfort in your sorrow by seeking the presence of the Comforter and trusting in God's plan.
- You can look forward to the reunion with loved ones in glory, where they will be transformed and glorious.