“Behold!”

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”  Rev. 22:12-13 NKJV

How excited we get when family or friends tell us they are coming soon!  Our excitement increases as we anticipate their arrival.  We prepare our homes, stock up on groceries and recheck everything so it will be perfect for their arrival.

That is what Jesus wants to reminds us of today.  In the last book of the Bible, in the last chapter and in almost the very last verses, He encourages Christians to look forward to the time when Jesus will return.  He says, ‘Behold, I am coming quickly.’

When Jesus spoke those words, He realized that mankind, because of his sinful nature sometimes focuses a little too much on the things of this life and in this world.

He wants us to look forward in anticipation to the time when He will return.

He gives us this advice in the book of Hebrews. "Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess" (Hebrews 3:1).

When Jesus said, ‘Behold, I am coming quickly’, He reminds us to fix our thoughts on Jesus who will return.

It begins with the little word: “Behold!”   This word appears quite frequently in the Holy Bible. It is a call to pay special heed, to be especially watchful, and to pay particular attention to the things going on around us.

At the birth of Jesus Christ, the angels appeared to the shepherds and brought them the news: “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy… For there is born to you this day……. a Savior” (Luke 2: 10-11).

In reference to Jesus, John the Baptist once said: “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1: 29).  All these are especially striking, potent words which carry a great deal of power.

 Jesus said: “Behold, I have told you before….” (Matthew 24: 25, KJV).  Again we find the call to “behold!” The admonition behind this is that we should behold things from a divine perspective!  Here’s a beautiful the promise that the Lord gave His Apostles: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28: 20, ESV)—again an instruction to take note of what the Lord is doing!

“Behold, I am coming quickly!”—Just look at the conditions around us! The Lord is coming! This is our firm belief. The circumstances are coming to a head.

Being a Christian plays less and less of a role in their daily lives. Today—at least in our part of the world—churches are increasingly seen as institutions, which people treat more or less with distrust.

Just look at the fact that it is also becoming harder to keep our faith!  It is no longer so easy to remain upon the path of faith. There are so many other influences that seem to distract us.

‘Coming Quickly’ is a call to commitment!

Are you ready for His return?

Will it be a day of celebration or despair?

HE is coming back so we better live like it!