Jesus the First and the Last

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REFLECTION

BEHOLD

By Mary McGinnis

Behold is not a word we hear every day. It is a prompt to listen up, look, pay attention, take note!  There is a sense of urgency behind it  The word "behold" is used well over 1,000 times in scripture.  In the book of Revelation, it is used no less than 25 times, 2 of those times in chapter 22 alone.  

It is like when my daughter is talking to my 5-year-old grandson, and she can tell she does not have his full attention. She will say, “Parker, come here and look at me.” She will gently put her hands on the side of his face, look deeply into his eyes, and deliver the important message she wants him to hear. She will say, “It is not safe for you to be doing . . . It’s very important that you listen to Mommy right now.”  

Jesus has an urgent, important message He wants us to hear today.

"Behold, I am coming soon!"

If you really take time to ponder those words, what feelings does it evoke? Fear and dread? Or joy and expectant hope?

The response of fear is a result of dreading God’s punishment or judgement, realizing how far from His perfection we are. But JOYFUL are those who have been washed clean, who can stand before God and His judgement without blemish or stain, whose robes have been washed in the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ.

Revelation 22:17 says:

   The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come."

    And let the one who hears say, "Come."

    And let the one who is thirsty come; 

    let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

The response of joyful, expectant hope is one that says, “COME! I am ready!” Like a bride waiting for her groom, she anxiously awaits. And when the wedding day arrives, she will be dressed and ready for her bridegroom to come for her. 

And those who are not yet in a relationship with Jesus Christ, but have heard the prompting of His voice, they too are invited to COME! 

And those who have not listened and heard His voice, yet feel a spiritual thirsting that is going unquenched, Jesus bid these also to COME!

And to those who feel a burning desire for something more in their hearts, He begs these to COME too!

Wherever or whoever you are, Jesus' urgent prompting of "BEHOLD" is meant for YOU.  He is saying to you, “Behold, I am coming soon!” 

He longs to hear you say, “Amen (let it be so)! Come Lord Jesus!”

Prayer Prompt: We end the book of Revelation with a clear and compelling picture of Jesus. Spend time in prayer today offering up praise and thanksgiving to Jesus through prayer. Join with those in heaven in praise and worship of our Savior! 

Listen to this joyful song of expectant hope, "E'en So Lord Jesus Quickly Come" by Paul Manz.