The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved . . . Leaned on His Breast
The sermon emphasizes the joy and blessing of having an unbroken, ceaseless fellowship with Jesus, which makes life with joy replete.
A.B. Simpson reflects on the profound intimacy and continuous communion with Jesus, illustrated by the story of Albert Bengel, who maintained a deep connection with the Lord even in silence and sleep. This relationship is characterized by a ceaseless presence, akin to the fragrance of a garden or the comforting company of a loved one. Simpson emphasizes that true fellowship with Jesus brings unparalleled joy and fulfillment to life, highlighting the grace of having Jesus always by our side.
Text
An American gentleman once visited the saintly Albert Bengel. He was very desirous to hear him pray. So one night he lingered at his door, hoping to overhear his closing devotions. The rooms were adjoining and the doors ajar. The good man finished his studies, closed his books, knelt down for a moment and simply said, "Dear Lord Jesus, things are still the same between us" and then quietly fell asleep. So close was his communion with his Lord that labor did not interrupt it and prayer was not necessary to renew it.
It was a ceaseless, almost unconscious presence, like the fragrance of the summer garden or the company of some special person by our side whose presence we somehow feel, even though the busy hours pass by and not a word is exchanged.
O blessed fellowship, divine, O joy, supremely sweet, Companionship with Jesus here, Makes life with joy replete; 0 wondrous grace, 0 joy sublime, I've Jesus with me all the time.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Unbroken Fellowship of the Believer
- A. A ceaseless, almost unconscious presence of Jesus
- B. Like the fragrance of the summer garden or a special person's presence
- II. The Freedom from Formal Prayer
- A. Labor does not interrupt the communion with Jesus
- B. Prayer is not necessary to renew it
- III. The Joy of Unbroken Fellowship
- A. Makes life with joy replete
- B. Companionship with Jesus here is supremely sweet
Key Quotes
“O blessed fellowship, divine, O joy, supremely sweet, Companionship with Jesus here, Makes life with joy replete;” — A.B. Simpson
“O wondrous grace, O joy sublime, I've Jesus with me all the time.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We can experience a ceaseless, almost unconscious presence of Jesus in our lives, even in the midst of busy schedules.
- Formal prayer is not necessary to maintain our communion with Jesus; it can be a natural, ongoing part of our lives.
- Having Jesus with us all the time brings joy and makes life replete with happiness.