Taken Aside

"He is chastened also with pain … He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light." (Job 33)

"He hath looked down from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth; to hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death." (Ps. 102:19-20.)

"He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind." (Luke 4:18.)

"And they bring a blind man unto Him He took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town." (Mark 8:23.)

"They bring unto Him one that was deaf He took him aside from the multitude." (Mark 7:33.)

"They heard not the voice of Him that spake to me." (Acts 22:9.)

Gone! in a moment from us

Taken "aside" to die!

Father, our hearts in anguish

Yearningly question, "Why?"

Is there no answer coming?

We listen in waiting faith

Faith which can trust the Saviour

Even in silent death.

Even if settled darkness

Broods o'er the shoreless sea;

Saviour, we wait Thy coming!

Light, in Thy light, to see!

Wait for the sweet surprises -

Wonderful words of love -

Which shall fill our hearts with rapture,

Told in the home above.

Telling, how in the darkness,

No loving watcher by,

To the world-worn, restless spirit,

"Jesus Himself" drew nigh,

Speaking words of compassion

Gently, while drawing near;

And the soul was content for silence

That wonderful voice to hear;

Content for the sudden summons

To come when all alone;

And the Saviour's hand to lead him

Unto the Father's home.

What were the words He uttered?

What was the answer given?

Ah!the joy of that private meeting

We must wait to hear in heaven.

Saviour and sinner meeting,

Meeting after long years;

Wonderful words of greeting

Softening the heart to tears.

Broken words of confession

Breathed in the Father's ear;

Then His embrace dispelling

Once, and for ever, fear.

Breaking the chains of Satan,

Setting the captive free;

Then to the ransomed spirit

Saying, "Today with me."

Wonderful, glorious moment!

When at the Saviour's word

Eyes long blinded were opened,

Opened to see the Lord.

A look - at the One beside him

A word - and the work was done;

And the threshold crossed to glory

By the blood-bought ransomed one.

A. S. Oliphant.