The
Special Resurrection
And
many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting
life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Dan. 12:2.
It was at midnight that God chose to deliver His people. As the wicked were
mocking around them, suddenly the sun appeared, shining in his strength, and
the moon stood still. . . . Dark, heavy clouds came up and clashed against
each other. But there was one clear place of settled glory, whence came the
voice of God like many waters, shaking the heavens and the earth. There was
a mighty earthquake. The graves were opened, and those who had died in faith
under the third angel's message, keeping the Sabbath, came forth from their
dusty beds, glorified, to hear the covenant of peace that God was to make
with those who had kept His law.
Those who
sleep in Jesus will be called from their prison house . . . to a glorious
immortality. . . . He has risen, dear friends, and in your despondency you
may know . . . that Jesus is by your side to give you peace.
I know
what I am talking about. I have seen the time when I thought the waves were
going over my head; in that time I felt my Savior precious to me. When my
eldest son was taken from me I felt my grief was very great, but Jesus came
to my side and I felt His peace in my soul. The cup of consolation was placed
to my lips.
And then
he who had stood by my side for thirty-six years . . . was taken. We had labored
together side by side in the ministry, but we had to fold the hands of the
warrior and lay him down to rest in the silent grave. Again my grief seemed
very great, but after all came the cup of consolation. Jesus is precious to
me. He walked by my side . . . and He will walk by your side. When our friends
go into the grave they are beautiful to us. It may be our father or mother
that we lay away: when they come forth those wrinkles are all gone but the
figure is there, and we know them. . . .
We want
to be prepared to meet these dear friends as they come forth in the resurrection
morning. . . . Shall we lay hold upon the hope set before us in the gospel
that we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is?
From Maranatha - Page 282