Sleeping-Waiting by Mrs. Delia Walker

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Dec 5, 1878

Sleeping—Waiting.

By Mrs. Delia Walker

“ASLEEP in Jesus.” Oh how blessed, how sweet, how quiet, is the rest of God’s saints. No sorrow, no pain, no fear. Nothing shall disturb the sleep of the righteous dead; and they shall rest until the resurrection morn. Then, at the sound of the trump of God they shall awake with songs of thanksgiving, and everlasting joy upon their heads. Then shall they realize the fulfillment of that glorious promise made so long ago by our blessed Saviour to his disciples, as he was about to leave them. While they were conversing with him upon his departure their hearts were grieved, they were sad, because their Lord, their friend and sympathizer was going to leave them; and they were filled with doubt and fear. But Jesus told them if he went away he would come again, and receive them to himself, that where he was they might be also. He told them to not let their hearts be troubled, neither to be afraid. He said in his Father’s house are many mansions, and that he went to prepare a place for them, and when he had accomplished his work, when he had prepared the place, they might look for him, for he would come again. Oh, how blest were those disciples who stood in his divine presence, and listened to those blessed words of hope and cheer which fell from his gracious lips! Thus, while they were sad and despondent at the thoughts of his departure he cheered them with words of love and hope. He said he would not leave them comfortless; he would pray the Father, and he would send them another comforter to abide with them until he should return. And at parting, he blessed them with peace, his peace, the peace that passeth the understanding of man. How blessed to wait for the coming of our Lord.

If we sometimes feel impatient, let us remember that he has not left us comfortless, he blesses us with his Holy Spirit, he knows all the fears and sorrows which we feel because of his absence; he pities us just as he did the disciples when he was with them. He is preparing a place for us. He will soon, very soon, come to take us to himself. The night is almost past, the day is dawning. Watcher! be faithful; the Lord will soon appear to his waiting ones. He will never leave us, never forsake us; but will guide and keep and save us for his name and mercy’s sake.

Mrs. Delia Walker.

New London, Wis.