Our theme this year is Love God, Love people and make disciples. I want to talk about the first bit. LOVE GOD.
Today I want to talk about a word that caught my attention: Behold
Let’s read this verse
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass ( mirror ) the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:16-KJV
Do you know what it means this word: behold?
Part of this explanation about behold I took it from a blog on the internet from a man called Rodney Francis.
To “behold” means to “see, to view, to face, to look out, regard, watch, consider, to behold intensely, to observe fully, to see mentally or prophetically, to look with attention and earnestness, to survey with accuracy, earnest spiritual contemplation, to look at purposely, to perceive, apprehend, learn, know, calling attention to what may be seen or heard.”
To “behold” for the Christian is to look to God, to Jesus and to the Holy Spirit to see, observe and comprehend His will and ways through His Word, the Bible. Stand in oh and be amazed!
It is a pity that some of our more modern translations have done away with “behold” because it is seen as an archaic word. For example the
- authorised King James Version uses it 1326 times,
- the Amplified Bible 1058 times,
- the New King James 593 times and
- the New International version only 6 times!
When we know the importance of that word and what it entails(involves) when it is written in Scripture, we realise that there is always something special and important we need to see and hear within the context of that passage.
When we understand what behold means. What the implications for our lives. We see that God is always challenging us.
It means we have a choice – a choice to behold or not to behold. It represents the responsibility that is our part in the Christian walk.
We behold the ways of God, then behold our own lives.
As a result of that beholding we seek to align ourselves more and more with that which we are beholding.
“Behold” is a responsible word. It is a call to keep our eyes open, to make sure we are seeing and hearing clearly and accurately, so we can make those decisions that will glorify God.
“Behold” is a prophetic word. It beautifully describes someone who is focused on pleasing their Master. Psalm 123: 2
“Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us.” Psalms 123:2 KJV
As we understand what mean Behold- Let’s can back to the verse from 2 Co3.16-18
“Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 KJV
We see here that we can be changed; we can be transformed. God desires that we became like Jesus.
Then it comes a question. Why my life sometimes is controlled by fear, doubts, anxiety.
If God is good good father, what is going on with me ?
I think we have a problem. Before we born again we were busy people. Doing a lot of things then we became Christians and we just added some others activity to our life . Like going to church, helping people. Reading and praying.
What do you think? Is it possible to be touched and not changed? Is it possible come to church cry, feel the Holy Spirit moving and go home and be the same?
Yes – if you don’t understand what is your part in your Christian life.
Yes ; it is because to be transformed we need discipline, it is not magical.
It’s not only coming to Church and do Church stuff that make us like Jesus. It’s a life of repentance. It’s a life o beholding. It’s when you spend time with God. It’s in our quiet time.
We need spiritual discipline: reading, meditation, reflection, beholding, prayer, worship.
God is not going to revel himself to those who are not seeking him. ( Jer 29:13; Pr 8:17 ;Mt 7:7).
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” Matthew 7:7 KJV
Do you love what God loves?
Do you want to be transformed?
Yes, Transformation is possible, through the renewing of the mind. There is one thing me need to do. We need to choose what is really important for us. What really matters.
I love this example in the word of God
This two sisters and a Jesus in Luke 10:38-42
“Luk 10:38,39 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their journey, they came to a village where a woman welcomed Jesus into her home. Her name was Martha and she had a sister named Mary. Mary sat down attentively before the Master, absorbing every revelation he shared.
Luke10:40– But Martha became exasperated by finishing the numerous household chores in preparation for her guests, so she interrupted Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t you think it’s unfair that my sister left me to do all the work by myself? You should tell her to get up and help me.”
Luke 10:41-42 – The Lord answered her, “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions? Are they really that important? Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet.
She is undistracted, and I won’t take this privilege from her.”
Mary choose to behold, to spend time with Jesus. Martha was “upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions.” As you learn to be undistracted you have the privilege of knowing God more.
As we learn to behold we will grow in intimacy. To Read, prayer and worship it will become part of your life.
I challenge you to spend Time with our beloved Jesus. Allow him to talk to you. Listen to his voice, thrust him. Grow in this relationship.
Closing with a song and worship. – How great is our God.