BEHOLD

As the season of summer is upon us, what if we take more time to ‘behold’ all the things God has made in this world? Warning—it requires that we try to slow down a little and enjoy what is in front of us, taking time to soak in the beauty.

The Oxford Languages online dictionary defines ‘behold’ as “to see or observe (a thing or person, especially a remarkable or impressive one)” while a definition from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary is “to gaze upon.”

So if we are to ‘behold’ something, we should observe and gaze upon the impressive things that are in our path.

I never pondered the significance the simple word ‘behold’ has scripturally. Researching the word, there are claims that the word ‘behold’ occurs between 1,200 and 1,700 times in Scripture, used mostly in the King James or English Standard versions. Other translations use the word ‘look’ or ‘see.’

Scripturally, ‘behold’ is used to alert us to something significant that we can view with wonder and awe. God has given humanity eyes, ears, and our minds to enjoy the sights and sounds of this magnificent world. It is also a call to action to reflect on God at work and His promises that apply to our lives.

 

 

And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.  And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.  And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.  –Genesis 1:29-31  (ESV)

Right from the start in Genesis, where God created this entire physical world we see the word ‘behold.’ What gratitude I have when I reflect on His mighty plan providing food for our nourishment AND for everything He created, including you and me. Remember to gaze upon the beauty of yourself too. You are an impressive creation!

 

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”  –Isaiah 43:18-19  (ESV)

What encouragement knowing that God is always doing new things in our lives. He sent Jesus to pave the way for us, showing us the path that leads to salvation. We are not to get stuck in the past but know that Jesus leads and guides us forward if we remain open.

 

Photo courtesy of Chronic Joy® under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

John [the Baptist] answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”   –John 1:26-29  (ESV)

John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin was the forerunner of Jesus, baptizing people with water as they came to believe in Him. John’s most important message for us all is that indeed Jesus is the Lamb of God, who would sacrifice His life for us, taking away our sin. This is one of the most important proclamations for us to reflect upon and give heartfelt thanks for.

 

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.  –Revelation 3:20  (ESV)

Jesus is always relentlessly pursuing us as He knocks on the door of our hearts. When we hear Him calling and open that door, Jesus’ loving arms welcome us back. He comes to ‘feast’ with us and is always giving us abundant life. What a beautiful image of being one with Jesus!

 

Photo courtesy of Tobias Van Der Elst under Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.0)

 

 Be encouraged this week to…

… slow down and gaze upon the impressive beauty in all of creation.

… know that everything God made is worthy to ‘behold.’

… seek with the eyes of your heart the new paths where He is leading you.

… express your gratitude for the Lamb of God who was slain for you.

… open the door of your heart to Jesus and ‘feast’ on His abundant life.

 

REFLECTION:

Which of the Scriptures are you being called to meditate on?
What do you have gratitude for that God brought to mind?

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”  –Luke 1:30-33  (ESV)

Note: I will take a two week break to enjoy the summer and to take time 'to behold.' Stop by anytime to check out a reflection or two. Blessings!