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… First, character; secondly, comparison; and, thirdly, conclusion. I. We shall speak upon CHARACTER. It is entirely through the death and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ that the death of the believer receives and presents so mild, so peaceful, so softened a character as sleep. II. We shall now consider the comparison in the text, or the several striking resemblances between death and sleep, and how they beautifully describe the condition of departed saints; and — 1. Sleep is exclusively applicable to the body, it does not appertain to the spirit; often while the body sleeps, the soul is conscious, and busily active in dreams of the most astonishing character. 2. Death and sleep have a marked resemblance. Sleep is certainly a type of death. Ovid, the Roman poet, said, "O fool, what is sleep but the image of cold death?" 3. Death, under the figure of sleep, represents a state of rest, a state of sweet repose. 4. Sleep is useful, is most profitable to the body. By sleep the powers of the body are strengthened, and refreshed, and fitted for the labours of the future day. 5. Sleep is absolutely essential. Who could live for any protracted period without sleep? 6. Sleep delightfully illustrates the prospect of restoration. We expect at lying down to rest to-night, to awake and to arise to-morrow morning. III. We proceed to the CONCLUSION, or the inferences which the living should draw from the state of the dead, and especially the happy dead. 1. Are you yet unrenewed, unchanged by the Spirit of God? 2. Are you the children of a spiritual resurrection, passed from death to life, translated out of darkness into amazing light? — while we live here, let us live. 3. Let us act as believers in parting with believing friends. (T. Sharp, 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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