Last evening Pam and I along with some dear friends in our neighborhood attended First Baptist Church Dallas “Christmas Spectacular”. It lived up to its billing. Their Choir and Orchestra were splendid and powerful, and the impact was potentially life changing. Francesca Battistelli guested and was featured in a number of songs. A particular song entitled “Behold Him” was riveting and grabbed my heart especially the chorus…
In Your Silent Night…When you’re not alright…Lift your eyes and behold Him…Feel the thrill of hope…You are not alone…In this moment, behold Him
Today finds many of us bowing our heads in defeat rather than prayer “when it’s not alright”. We are living daily in the midst of turmoil buried in a myriad of things such as financial concerns, marital quarrels, kid issues, family squabbles, loneliness, addictions, bitterness, envy, etc. The song “Behold Him” nails this with its 1st verse picturing a mom and kids without dad during the holidays, and its 2nd verse describing parents desperately struggling to make ends meet without jobs.
The song challenges the hurting to “lift up your eyes and behold Him.” The word “behold” means “see or observe a thing or person, especially a remarkable or impressive one”. “Behold” the following comment from Jesus and who He is talking to, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). He is aiming this comment to the “weary and burdened”. How does He engage the hurting? With “a gentle and humble heart” including a commitment to them to “find rest for your souls”. You are not alone…
1 Peter 5:6&7 describes “beholding Him” this way, “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may lift you up at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you.” You are not alone…
Behold Him and you will discover that “seeking first the kingdom of God and (He will help you bring order in your life)” (Matthew 6:33). You are not alone…
God greatly desires to care for and guide you. Let Him and discover…You are not alone.
Barnabas Man 