Luke 8:49-56 While he yet spoke, there comes one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Your daughter is dead… I. In the text we perceive A DEEP SORROW EXPRESSED "They all wept and bewailed her." But, as we have said, where a bereaving providence is felt, the genuine expressions of sorrow will not be wanting, nor are they out of place. 1. This is natural. 2. To weep and bewail the loss of beloved relatives and friends is also consistent and affectionate. II. To THE CONSOLATORY IDEA OUR TEXT COMMUNICATES — "Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth." Many believers, through fear of death, are all their lives subject to bondage; but the consoling representation of our text strips it of all its terrors, for, surely, if we sleep, we do well. 1. Now the spirit is unconfined. 2. This is a consoling idea, because in sleep bodily labour is suspended. 3. The idea in the text is consoling, because our sleeping friends will awake again. III. We now consider, thirdly, THE VALUABLE INSTRUCTION WHICH THIS SUBJECT SUPPLIES. 1. We may learn the necessity of faith in the Redeemer. Every spiritual blessing is promised alone to those who believe in the Saviour. 2. Our subject to-day teaches us the folly of an inordinate fear of death. 3. Once more, our subject reminds us of the duty of daily preparation for our approaching change. (T. Gibson, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. |
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