The prayer has been in process of fulfilment ever since. The dead in
Christ have entered on its answer now.
We need not discuss difficulties about the 'intermediate state,' for
this at all events is true, that to be 'absent from the body' is to be
'present with the Lord.'
A Christian death is an answer to this prayer. True, for Christians as
for all, the physical necessity is an imperative law. True, the
punitive aspect of death is retained for them. But yet the law is
wielded by Christ, and while death remains, its whole aspect is
changed. So we may think of those who have departed in His faith and
fear as gone in answer to this prayer.
How beautiful that is! Slowly, one by one, they are gathered in, as the
stars one by one light up. Place after place is filled.
Thus through the ages the prayer works on, and our dear ones have gone
from us, but they have gone to Him. We weep, but they rejoice. To us
their departure is the result of an iron law, of a penal necessity, of
some secondary cause; but to them it is seen to be the answer to His
mighty prayer. They hear His voice and follow Him when He says, 'Come
up hither.'