Behold

“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, BEHOLD…” Matthew 1:19-20 NKJ

When I was eight years old – after being moved, one row at a time, from the back row of the class to the front row, squinting all the way – I received an eye exam in the school nurses office. I failed this one… was sent to our friendly optometrist for a deeper look…revealing that I REALLY couldn’t see!

Eye exam completed…glasses ordered…waiting…

After what seemed like an eternity the day came for me to “receive my sight”.

I don’t remember the trying on and adjusting and making sure that the prescription was correct part of the day.

I don’t remember the walk to the car or leaving the office.

But I will never forget the breathtaking moment when I realized that trees weren’t just big green blobs, THEY HAD INDIVIDUAL LEAVES!

Seeing not only changed the moment, it reset my future.

In English the meaning of “behold” – Look at it, see it. This comes from the old English “be-holden” –  to DIG IN AND HOLD ONTO.

Unlike English, Hebrew is a language of pictures – Hineh(behold) translates better as

WOW, look at that!

“Behold” is one of the most used words in The Bible. It shouts “WOW, look at that”.

But, as one writer says, “The word ‘behold’ is as common as telephone poles on the highway. I’ve seen it so many times that I don’t pay attention anymore.”

Every single “behold” in The Bible points to THE ONE to behold. Could it be that, like telephone poles,  we have become calloused to beholding The One of greatest importance?

“Behold, The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:29 NKJ

Behold…Jesus

Son Of God
Emmanuel
Savior
Wonderful Counselor
Almighty God
Everlasting Father
The Word
The Way
The Truth
The Life
The Vine
Author and Finisher of our faith
Bread Of Life
Cornerstone
The Door
Deliverer
Good Shepherd
High Priest
Holy One
Messiah
Lamb Of God
Jehovah
Lion Of Judah
King of Kings
Lord of Lords
Prince Of Peace

Like the little boy who was stunned by seeing leaves for the first time and was never the same, maybe it is time for an eye exam.

“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:19-21 NKJ

WOW, LOOK AT HIM!