The Sparkling Diamond in the Ring of Glory!
Christ's ultimate desire is for His people to be with Him in heaven, beholding and enjoying His glory.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the deep desire of Christ for communion with His people, illustrating that true happiness for believers lies in being in His presence both now and in heaven. He highlights that Christ's joy is incomplete without His followers, as He longs for them to share in His glory. The ultimate fulfillment of this desire will be realized in heaven, where believers will enjoy perfect fellowship with Christ, beholding His glory without any hindrance. Brooks describes this communion as the 'sparkling diamond in the ring of glory,' signifying its unparalleled value and beauty. The sermon encourages believers to anticipate the joy of eternal communion with Christ.
Text
Christ can never rest satisfied until His gracious
communion with His people here, issues in their
perfect and glorious communion with Him in heaven.
"Father, I want those You have given Me to be with
Me where I am, and to see My glory." John 17:24
Christ is very desirous of His people's fellowship and
company. It is a part of Christ's joy--that they should
be where He is. Christ will not be happy alone. As a
tender father, He can enjoy nothing if His children
may not have part with Him. Even now--He is
always with them . . .
to eye their behavior,
to hear their prayers,
to guide their way,
to protect their persons,
to cheer their spirits, and
to delight with His presence.
The greatest part of our happiness, which we shall
have in heaven lies in this--that then we shall be
with Christ, and have immediate communion with
Him. O sirs! the great end of our being in heaven,
is to behold and enjoy the glory of Christ!
Certainly the glory and happiness of heaven to the
elect, will consist much in being in Christ's company,
in whom they delight so much on earth. To follow the
Lamb wherever He goes, to enjoy Him fully, and to be
always in His presence--is the heaven of heaven, the
glory of glory! This is the sparkling diamond in
the ring of glory!
The day is coming wherein believers shall be completely
happy in a sight of Christ's glory. When all veils have been
laid aside--they shall be fitted for a more full fruition, and
shall visibly and immediately behold and enjoy Him!
"Father, I want those You have given Me to be with
Me where I am, and to see My glory." John 17:24
Sermon Outline
- I. Christ's Desire for Fellowship
- A. Christ's joy is in His people's fellowship
- B. Christ wants His people to be with Him in heaven
- II. Christ's Presence with Us
- A. Christ is always with us, guiding and protecting us
- B. Christ delights in being present with us
- III. The Glory of Heaven
- A. The greatest happiness in heaven is being with Christ
- B. The elect will behold and enjoy Christ's glory
- IV. The Day of Full Fruition
- A. A day will come when believers will see Christ's glory
- B. Veils will be laid aside, and believers will behold Christ
Key Quotes
“Christ can never rest satisfied until His gracious communion with His people here, issues in their perfect and glorious communion with Him in heaven.” — Thomas Brooks
“To follow the Lamb wherever He goes, to enjoy Him fully, and to be always in His presence--is the heaven of heaven, the glory of glory!” — Thomas Brooks
“The day is coming wherein believers shall be completely happy in a sight of Christ's glory.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Christ's desire for fellowship with us should motivate us to seek Him and be with Him in spirit.
- We should strive to behold and enjoy Christ's glory now, even in our earthly lives.
- The day is coming when we will see Christ's glory fully, and we should look forward to that day with hope and anticipation.