Recovery from Sickness
J. Alexander, D. D. Philippians 2:26-28 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that you had heard that he had been sick.… I. THE SICKNESS WHICH YOU HAVE ENDURED. 1. You have, perhaps, been suddenly smitten after a long and uninterrupted course of health. 2. Or your sickness has been preceded by protracted feebleness and delicacy. 3. But whichever way it has come the affliction has secluded you, discontinued your active pursuits, oppressed you with pain, and, it may be, destroyed all hope for the time of recovery. 4. How solemn and affecting was your condition when the crisis arrived. Death, "the king of terrors," had knocked and was standing in your presence. 5. What were your thoughts as you thus trembled on the brink of eternity? Did you see heaven: or was there nothing before you but "a fearful looking for of judgment." II. THE RECOVERY WHICH THE GOD OF MERCY PERMITTED YOU TO ENJOY. 1. The source of this mercy is Divine. No doubt all the means which skill and kindness could suggest had been employed in the case of Epaphroditus, but when his recovery was effected the apostle ascribed it entirely to the hand of God. And so must you. He gave the skill which selected the suitable means and gave His blessing so that the means were rendered effectual. Have you thanked Him for His mercy. 2. Your recovery manifests the power of Divine mercy. Next to resurrection, recovery is the most astonishing and merciful display of Divine powers. Your recovery manifests the sovereignty of this mercy. Others have died. Had you died none could have charged God with injustice or unkindness. He was under no obligation to heal you. 4. The value and importance of this mercy. A state of sickness, however painful to the flesh, has often proved exceedingly profitable to the spirit, and recovery has given you a fresh opportunity for salvation and usefulness. Some are hardened by the dispensation, but in your case it is to be hoped it has been sanctified and blessed. III. THE MERCY WHICH YOUR RECOVERY HAS CONFERRED ON OTHERS AS WELL AS ON YOURSELVES. There are no earthly sorrows more deep or distressing than those which death occasions to the survivors, In the case of Christians the sorrow is alleviated by hope, but in the case of unbelievers it is burdened by despair. Whatever may have been your ease, every child, brother, sister, relative, friend, has echoed on your recovery the joyful exclamation, "and on me also." In restoring your friend God has mercifully — 1. Answered your prayers. 2. Regarded your afflictions. (1) Your poverty. (2) Your own sickness. (3) Your sorrow in anticipating other troubles. (4) Your grief lest your friend should die in impenitence. 3. Regarded your souls by sparing a fellow labourer. (J. Alexander, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. WEB: since he longed for you all, and was very troubled, because you had heard that he was sick.