Behold

We live in distracting and confusing times. People have said these days probably are not the most difficult days. Just ask those who came through the Great Depression. However, these days may be the most distracting days. With notifications pinging us all the time. With videos and images saturating our screens and souls, it is hard to focus on what is important. We have trouble giving our attention to what’s important and valuable. I’ve been praying with some brothers recently that we will focus on what matters most. We need today’s command of victory from Revelation, Behold!

Depending on your translation of the Bible, I found “Behold” shows up 551 times in the English Standard Version of the Bible. The first time we read the word, “behold” it is in Genesis 1.31.

Genesis 1:31 (ESV)

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.

Behold, creation was very good.

In Revelation, we encounter the command, “Behold,” 26 times in 25 verses. While, we won’t look at all of those occurrences, I’ve gathered many of them under three headings: Behold the enemy, Behold the Lamb, and Behold the time.

Focus question: What should Christians behold or give our attention.

First, Behold the Enemy (Revelation 2.10; 11.14; 12.3).

This command may seem so repetitive, but it helpful to know the enemy. Three times in Revelation, we are instructed to behold or pay attention to the enemy.

Read Revelation 2.10; 11.14; and Revelation 12.3.

In Revelation 2.10, the church in Smyrna is instructed, “Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested...” The devil’s name means “one who separates.” It also could describe “an adversary.” The devil wants to separate and divide God’s people from God and one another. God desires oneness. The devil prefers division.

Pay attention, the devil may try to test you with prison, tribulation, and hardship to separate you from your faithful and loving Father.

In Revelation 11.14, we read a summary statement in Revelation, “The second woe has passed; behold, the third woe is soon to come.” Pay attention to the judgments of God that will come on the earth. This statement comes between the sixth and seventh trumpet blasts of judgment.

Then, in Revelation 11.15, the seventh trumpet sounds and we see a scene of worship praising God for His reign, but also for judgment the nations’ rage and those who destroy the earth. Pay attention to the judgments that will eventually come upon the evil one.

Then, in Revelation 12.3, we see another sign in heaven: “behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems [crowns].” In Revelation 12.9, this great red dragon is described as the ancient serpent, the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world.” Pay attention to the deceiver. He wages war against God’s people, but he is defeated.

Listen to his final judgment in Revelation 20.1-3, 7-10. He’s bound for a time, but eventually, he’s thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where they will be tormented day and night forever.

Behold, the enemy who bent on division, deception, and destruction.

Second, Behold the Lamb (Revelation 1.7, 18; 3.20; 5.5; 7.9; 14.1; 19.11).

In case you don’t know, the main character in Revelation is not the red dragon, but the Lamb. The Lamb is Jesus. This book is called, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1.1).

In what ways do we behold Jesus? I want to walk through seven instances in Revelation where are called to behold the Lamb or behold Jesus.

One, we behold Jesus coming (see Revelation 1.7). The book of Revelation reminds us Jesus is coming again. As we prepare to celebrate the first coming of Jesus this week with our Christmas celebration, we need to prepare for His second coming as well.

Two, we see Jesus, the living one (Revelation 1.18). He said, “I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

Three, we behold His invitation (Revelation 3.20). He’s knocking and calling and wants to have dinner with us.

Four, we behold Jesus, the victorious one (Revelation 5.5). We see the Lion of the Tribe of Judah who has conquered. He’s the Root of David. Hence, why Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to be registered for the census because Joseph was of the line of David (Luke 2.4).

Luke 2:10 (ESV)

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

In Revelation 5, we hear the new song to Jesus, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5.9).

Listen to how John, the Baptist introduces Jesus to us in John 1.29.

John 1:29 NIV

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Five, we behold Jesus is worshiped (Revelation 7.9). Revelation 7, is a glimpse of those who come through the great tribulation. They worship the Lamb and cry out in a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7.10. Pay attention when you worship Jesus.

Six, we behold Jesus with His people (Revelation 14.1). Jesus is on Mt. Zion with the 144,000. 144,000 is the complete number of God’s people. 12 represents the people of God like the 12 tribes and the 12 apostles. 12 x 12 = 144. Then, a thousand represents totality. 144,000 represents all of God’s people.

This group has Jesus and His Father’s name written on their foreheads. In contrast to the mark of the beast that described in the verses earlier (Revelation 13.16-18). The name on their foreheads connects back to Deuteronomy 6.4-8. It describes the thought and actions of God’s people that identify them in relationship with Him.

Seven, we behold Jesus the faithful and true one (Revelation 19.11). He’s the rider on the white horse who is called faithful and true. He judges and makes war in righteousness. He strikes down the nations with the sword from His mouth, His word (Revelation 19.15).

The faithful and true one leads into the final engagement with the enemy. I can’t call it a battle because there’s no real fighting. They gather but the beast and the false prophet all both thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 19.20).

Third, Behold the Time (Revelation 16.15; 22.7, 12).

Three times in Revelation, we are commanded to behold become the time is near or unexpected.

Read Revelation 16.15; 22.7, 12.

In Revelation 16.15, we are commanded, “Behold I am coming like a thief!” We do not know when Jesus is coming. So, we must wait in expectation. We must be found faithful and walking with Him. His coming will be unexpected, but it will not be a secret.

Then, in the final chapter of Revelation, two times, we hear the command to pay attention because Jesus is coming soon (Revelation 22.7, 12).

We’ve been in the last days for 2,000 years. Still, we must be ready for the coming of Jesus. As we prepare to celebrate the first coming of Jesus this week at Christmas, may be prepare well for His second coming even more so.

Listen to the final words of Jesus recorded in Matthew’s gospel.

Matthew 28:20 (ESV)

teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Behold, God commands your attention. Behold, there’s an enemy out there or near here that wants to deceive and dissolve God’s kingdom. Behold, Jesus has triumphed over our enemy. We can live with victory because Christ has one. Behold, the time is near. Jesus wants us to be ready for His coming.

So what’s it look like to pay attention to Jesus?

1-Slow down.

2-Open your eyes.

3-Focus your attention.

4-Respond with openness.

On January 6, 2025, Lord willing, we will begin “21 Days with God.” It is 21 days where we invite you to 3 practices: 1-21 minutes each day in word, worship and prayer. 2-21 days praying with a prayer partner. Take turns each day who prays. My prayer partner is Jack Knappmeyer. 3-Pray for a word for the new year. I think I’ve chosen my word for 2025. It’s the word, “Behold,” because I want to pay attention to what God is showing and telling me.

Notes:

Other Behold themes:

Judgment: Revelation 2.22; 3.9; 6.2, 5, 8, 12

Open door: Revelation 3.8; 4.1

Throne: Revelation 4.2.

God’s People: Revelation 7.9.

Dwelling with God/all things new: Revelation 21.3, 5.

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