Behold your God!

In this age of information overload, I am easily overwhelmed. So many words, so many thoughts and ideas and opinions.

In this world of evil and pain I am easily overwhelmed. There is so much need, so many unanswered questions, and I am so weak. What am I to do?

In the Christian journey I can also be easily overwhelmed. All the “short-cuts” and “detours” distract me from the narrow way.

So I set out to find the crux of the matter. Amidst the chaos and confusion, what one truth stands above everything else? What is the main point?

Through my searching God has led me to this concept – Behold your God.

Other phrases include: Look to Jesus! Keep your eyes on the Light! Look and live! Behold the Lamb of God!

               For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have

eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:40 NIV)

We commonly hear that it is by beholding we become changed (see 2 Corinthians 3:18). What exactly does this mean? The story of Isaiah presents a good illustration. (See Isaiah 6 and Prophets and Kings ch. 26). The land is in turmoil, the people are filled with evil, and God calls Isaiah to be His voice. Isaiah shrinks from this awful task. But here’s what happens:

1.      First of all, it is God who calls Isaiah, and then reveals Himself

2.      Isaiah beholds God’s holiness and great majesty and is overcome with a sense of his own unworthiness.

3.      He humbles his heart and finds full forgiveness and freedom

4.      He arises a changed man

5.      He now quickly answers God’s call and serves Him faithfully, boldly denouncing sin and uplifting the Name of the Lord.

Too often I try to start with #5 and serve God in my own strength. Or I get stuck on #2 and wallow in my own unworthiness. But scripture is clear, when we truly behold God for who He is and accept it (remembering that He has graciously revealed Himself to us through Christ Jesus), then we will be changed. And we have the responsibility to share this with the world.

“Those who wait for the Bridegroom's coming are to say to the people, "Behold your God." The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them. (Christ’s Object Lessons p. 415, emphasis mine). 

It is the character of God that is at stake today. He has been misrepresented and misunderstood. Satan seeks to hide Him from us. Focusing on our problems or our weakness and faults will only result in sinking lower. Like Peter walking on the water, the moment we take our eyes off Jesus, we will fall. But what a merciful God we have, He says “whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” (John 6:37)

What is it that causes confusion, chaos, pain, and emptiness? It is a misunderstanding (or lack of knowledge) of God’s character of love. The Love of Jesus is the answer to all our questions and doubts and fears. It may sound a bit simplistic, but in reality it’s a million times deeper than the deepest sea.

“The love which Christ diffuses through the whole being is a vitalizing power. Every vital part--the brain, the heart, the nerves--it touches with healing. By it the highest energies of the being are roused to activity. It frees the soul from the guilt and sorrow, the anxiety and care, that crush the life forces. With it come serenity and composure. It implants in the soul, joy that nothing earthly can destroy,--joy in the Holy Spirit,--health-giving, life-giving joy.” (The Ministry of Healing p.115)

God is calling to each one of us. If we behold, keep our gaze focused on Him, and choose to believe and live in His love*, then, and only then, can we testify to the world of the amazing transformation worked by the power of Infinite Love. 

*check out http://hesaidgoblog.org/2014/07/29/pleasing-god/ for a beautiful perspective on what pleases God