Let us allow the author to pronounce upon us all one of the most beautiful benedictions found in Holy W rit: “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, I'm just a little fellow Who didn't quite make it there; I went straight to be with Jesus But I'm waiting for you here. Don't you fret about me Mommy, I'm of all God's lambs most blest; I'd have loved to stay there with you, But the Shepherd knows what's best. Many dwelling here where I live. Waited years to enter in; Struggled through a world of sorrow And their lives were marred with sin. So sweet Mommy, don't you sorrow, Wipe those tears and chase the gloom, I went straight to Jesus' bosom From my lovely mother's womb. Thank you for the life you gave me, It was brief, but don't complain; I have all of heaven's glory, Suffered none of earthling's pain. Thank you for the name you gave me. I'd have loved to brought it fame; But if I'd lingered in earth's shadows Might instead have brought it shame. Daddy gave me something for you, It's our secret. Mommy dear. Pressed it tight against my forehead, Whispered in my tiny ear. I'll be waiting for you, Mommy— You and Daddy, Bud and Sis. I'll be with you then forever— Then I'll give you Daddy's kiss. through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 35 A B A B Y 'S S E C R E T — Dr. J. C. Brumfield
Dr. and Mrs. Lloyd T. Anderson obediently in cooperative service unto those who are appointed as our guides in service (w . 16f). They are con scientious in their sleepless watching over our spiritual welfare. This is so because they realize that they must give an account of their leadership. We should so conduct ourselves that they may lead us in joy and not in grief. For our own welfare depends upon this cooperative endeavor. The writer closes his exhortation by requesting that they pray for him that he might have a good conscience in that he shall live honestly (v. 18). Apparently unworthy motives have been attributed to .him. What Chris tian leader could not make this re quest! His main purpose in request ing prayer, however, is that he may be restored to them sooner than he expects. I t is possible that he was ill (Robertson), and, therefore, re quests their prayers. Benediction and Personal Matters ( v y . 2 0 -2 5 ) 1. P e r s o n a l M a t t e r s ( w . 2 2 -2 5 ) Shifting the order of this passage, we look into the heart of the author as he adds a postscript. He begs his readers to accept his exhortation in the same manner that he gives it (v. 22). He tells them that his brother, Timothy, is now a free man, and to gether they hope to visit them shortly (v. 23). Greetings are sent to their leaders and to all the congregation from both the author and the Chris tians who reside in Italy (v. 24). With a prayer for grace to abide with them, he closes this timely but timeless let ter (v. 25).
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs