Beholding

God’s master plan is to conform us to his Son, and he accomplishes his purpose by transforming, or sanctifying us as we become moldable in his hands. One significant way in his process is our beholding, abiding or remaining connected to Christ.

When Jesus was in the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, we know that Martha was busy in the kitchen, but Mary sat at his feet listening to what he taught. When Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to come help her, Jesus replied: “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details. There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

When the Lord says that there is only one thing worth being concerned about—perhaps we should take notice! Mary was abiding and Jesus said that abiding is the one thing we should be devoted to.

Taken from the life of Mary, I define abiding or beholding as consistently sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to his Word with a heart to obey. The major practice of my beholding is reading the scriptures everyday. I use a Bible reading plan and have learned that having a plan helps me be consistent. If I happen to miss a day or two, I no longer try to “catch up”, but I look at my plan and whatever day it is, I read that day’s reading only. As I have done this over the years, I find that I’m not only more faithful in my abiding, but I have a greater desire to behold the Lord daily. Certainly morning is the best time to spend with the Lord, but I have also learned that it is not the only time. I take advantage of any pocket of time I have during the day to sit at the feet of Jesus for it is the one thing we need to be concerned about.

As we behold the Lord in the scriptures, we are being transformed into His image. As we abide, we have the assurance of the Holy Spirit’s steady and continuing work in our lives to make us like Jesus. Our part is to be a faithful beholder.

"…we all, with open face, beholding, as in a glass, the glory of the Lord,” studying His countenance, watching His looks, seeking to have His gracious and compassionate look cast upon us in the midst of our frailties and infirmities, may catch some faint reflections of its brightness, and be changed into the image wherein we gaze.1

Edward B. Pusey

Prayer

Father, may I earnestly and consistently seek to behold you and in transparency and humility begin to be a mirror reflecting your divine beauty. Amen.

1.Edward B. Pusey, quoted in Joy and Strength, comp. Mary Wilder Tileston (New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1929), August 17.