We Shall Behold Him

WE SHALL BEHOLD HIM

“Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.” - John 17:24

I was listening to a podcast recently. The host was discussing a public event he attended. He mentioned that he was literally just a few feet away from the President of the United States. Most Americans will never get close to a President, regardless of their political views. The President is usually shielded from most citizens by the Secret Service. Yet to be that close to a President is a notable event.

There is a more remarkable event that will occur soon. Our Lord will return. When He comes, we will see Him as He is.

Dottie Rambo was one of Southern Gospel Music's prolific songwriters. In spite of all her great songs, only one received an award. In 1981, her song, “We Shall Behold Him,” won the Dove Award for Song of the Year. The song describes the incredible moment when God's people will see the Lord in all His glory. Seeing a President, an actor or a famous athlete is nothing compared to seeing our Lord. When He comes, we shall behold Him!

When Jesus prayed to His Father in John 17, He said, “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.” Jesus had us in mind when He said, “... that they also, whom thou has given me ...” Let's note the details of His request for us.

First of all, Jesus prayed that His followers would, “... be with me where I am.” Through Jesus Christ, we have everlasting life. Think about that word, “everlasting.” The life that we have in Christ is spiritual life that lasts forever. Our lives on earth will end very soon, but spiritually, we will continue to live on. In 2 Corinthians 5:8, we are taught that when we are absent from the body, we'll be present with the Lord. We'll be where He is at.

God has designed His own home. It is perfect. It is beautiful. It is magnificent. Yet He invites you and me to dwell there with Him forever.

Furthermore, Jesus prayed that His people, “... may behold my glory, which thou hast given me.” I've heard many songs about the beauty of heaven, but very few about the beauty of Christ that will make it heaven for us.

Moses once prayed, “Lord, show me your glory.” The experience of catching just a glimpse of God's glory greatly impacted his life. Yet the experience that Moses had was incomplete. You see, Moses was permitted to see just part of God's glory. God told Moses that no man could see the face of God and live.

One day, you and I will see the face of God. We will not see him with human eyes. Instead, in glorified bodies, we'll behold the Lamb of God. We won't be asking for His autograph. Instead, we will fall before Him in worship. We'll adore the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

On the mount of transfiguration, the Bible says that Jesus “was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.” In that moment, Peter, James and John caught a glimpse of something they had never seen before. They saw the glory of God. Notice that the face of Jesus, “... did shine as the sun.” If you look directly at the sun for any length of time, your eyes will suffer permanent damage. Our eyes cannot behold such intense rays of light. How much greater is the light that emanates from the face of the One who created the sun!

In Revelation chapter 1, John saw the Lord. He described our Lord's eyes as, “a flame of fire.” When he saw the Lord, the Bible says that John, “... fell at his feet as dead.” Seeing the Lord in His glory will be more than a thrill, it will be an experience of awe and wonder. I can't help but think that we, like John, will fall at His feet.

Referring back to our text in John 17:24, Jesus said to the Father, “...thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.” From eternity past to eternity future, He is God. Love exists among the Holy Trinity. This is the kind of love we should have for Him … and for each other.

Jesus is coming soon. Maybe today. Are you ready? For the saints, it will a glorious day.

We shall behold Him!