Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast;
But sweeter far Thy face to see,
And in Thy presence rest.
Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee (Early 12th Century)
By: Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 – 1153)
Listen to this version with a single solo voice as you prepare to ponder this hymn.
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Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below! It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.
We begin our journey through this ancient hymn originally written in Latin, but still true today. There truly is no name like Jesus, no matter the century. Let’s think about this.
Present Sweetness
While just the thought of Jesus fills our hearts with sweetness, imagine how much sweeter will be those moments when we finally see him face-to-face! The brightest and best moments of this life are but a shadow compared to the light of that coming encounter, and yet each of them points to it. Even in this darkness God has begun to make Himself known through the person of His Son.
But sweeter far Thy face to see,
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 ESV
Did you ever consider the fact that God could have simply chosen to reveal truths to us. Ideas, philosophies and concepts. But instead He chose to reveal Himself, out of which flow His ways and purposes.
How kind of God to reveal the sweetness of the knowledge of Him as we look to the face of His Son, the Light of the World. He pierces our darkness as He shows us the glory of God. That work begins in our hearts, and then shines from there with an unmistakeable and unquenchable brightness. Praise the Father for revealing His glory through Jesus Christ!
RESONATE!
Where there was darkness, rot and decay Jesus brings a vibrant and dynamic renewal and refreshing until sweetness displaces everything else. Is there anything threatening the filling of the core of your being with His unmatched brightness today? Ask Jesus to give you eyes to see His face so the light of the knowledge of the glory of God may shine into your heart again right now. Speak the name of Jesus in your heart and experience His fullness, asking Him to fill you with the sweetness of His presence.
Future Rest
That kind of sweet knowledge of Jesus opens the reality of a rest in Him that begins now and culminates in eternity. The future rest we are promised in Him has implications for the way we live today. This is true even in, maybe especially in, the weariest days.
And in Thy presence rest.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 ESV
These are the words of Jesus. The clear invitation of our Master is to come and find rest in His presence. Thinking about Him brings a sweetness indeed, but it is superseded by the rest of simply being in His presence. That rest begins the moment we accept His invitation to come. It also continues to consume us as we learn to live with a constant awareness of His presence.
When we first have eyes of faith to see Jesus His rest becomes a present reality. Even better though will be that day when we finally see Him face-to-face. The sweetness of His unveiled glory in those moments will be sweeter than anything we will have ever experienced, by far.
RESONATE!
What we need to continue to grow to realize is that the reality of that “someday” rest can influence our lives “every day”. That way the someday rest becomes and everyday rest. Sound too good to be true? Maybe, but it actually is true. Ask the Spirit to help you long for that day, as you learn to practice the rest it promises even today.
Jesus, thank You for the sweetness we find in Your presence. Though we only know it in part now, that knowledge makes us long for more. Help me set my heart on You today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sweet Thinking!
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Podcast 21.1 Transcript
Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.
Jesus, the very thought of Thee
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 ESV
Jesus is all these things, and thinking of Him ushers them into our minds and our lives. We should endeavor to think about Him often everyday so our thoughts reflect the beauty of our Savior. Ask Him to help you think on Him regularly.
With sweetness fills my breast;
My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 24:13-14 ESV
Feasting on His words brings a sweetness into our minds that can transform us from the inside out. His wisdom is indeed so sweet because it assures us of a future and a hope. Thank Him for His sweet words.
But sweeter far Thy face to see,
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 ESV
How kind of God to reveal the sweetness of the knowledge of Him as we look to the face of His Son, the Light of the World. He pierces our darkness as He shows us the glory of God. Praise the Father for revealing His glory through Jesus Christ.
And in Thy presence rest.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 ESV
The clear invitation of our Master to come and find rest in His presence. Thinking about Him brings a sweetness indeed, but it is superseded by simply being in His presence. Accept His invitation and come again to rest in Jesus today.
Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the Refrain.
Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast;
But sweeter far Thy face to see,
And in Thy presence rest.
Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond. Until next time, Be Resonant.
The post Future Rest Informs Present Sweetness appeared first on Resonant 7.
Image Attributions
But Sweeter Far Thy Face to See – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9pbOddjdfM
And in Thy Presence Rest – https://onwardchurch.org/2016/03/07/meeting-jesus-face-to-face/
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