The Christian's Desire to See God Face to Face

Book excerpt: Richard Sibbes (1577-1635) was an inspiring Christ-centered minister and experiential preacher. In this extraordinary work on Psalm 27:4, Sibbes instructs the reader concerning the beatific vision of God. He lays out the desire and affection of the holy prophet David, whose goal was to dwell with God, face to face. In this he lifts the reader to heights of sweetness concerning the object of the Christian's desire: dwelling with God through Christ. He directs the reader to taste of Christ now, so that they will experience that coveted glimpse of God in their understanding, only to be encouraged that they will one day experience it face to face with Christ in heaven. Such a sanctuary of thought is a high mountain of blessedness and causes the feet of our meditation of God to run like hind's feet on high places upon the mountain of spices (Psalm 18:33; Hab. 3:19; Song 8:14). Sibbes is simple in this, yet profound. This is a work worthy to reflect and digest to find refreshment for the soul which will be enlivened to new heights of holy contemplation.