"BEHOLD" – The Summary Scripture

The word “Behold” carries immense weight throughout the Bible, serving as a divine directive to pause, reflect, and engage deeply with God’s revelations. It calls for attention, discernment, and faith, encapsulating the very essence of the believer’s journey. A powerful summary of this concept is found in 2 Corinthians 4:18:

“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

This verse distills the faith responsibility of “beholding,” inviting believers to focus on the unseen, eternal realities of God rather than the fleeting, temporal circumstances of life. In this article, we will explore how this verse encapsulates the themes of beholding and its significance in the life of faith.

1. Beholding as a Shift in Perspective

2 Corinthians 4:18 calls believers to lift their eyes from the visible, transient world to focus on the eternal realities of God’s kingdom. This shift in perspective is the cornerstone of the biblical principle of “beholding.”

• Isaiah 43:19: “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?” God invites His people to look beyond their immediate circumstances and recognize His transformative work.

• 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Behold, all things are become new.” Paul reminds us to see ourselves as new creations in Christ, leaving behind the old and embracing the spiritual reality of renewal.

To behold is to see with the eyes of faith, discerning the divine work that is often hidden from natural sight.

2. Faith as the Lens for Beholding

The act of beholding requires faith, as it involves perceiving and trusting in unseen realities. Hebrews 11:1 provides the foundation: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

• John 1:29: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John the Baptist’s declaration demands a response of faith to recognize Jesus as the Savior.

• Matthew 14:28-29: Peter’s act of stepping out onto the water exemplifies beholding in faith. As long as his gaze was fixed on Jesus, he walked in the supernatural; when he focused on the storm, he began to sink.

Faith enables us to look beyond the seen and anchor ourselves in God’s eternal promises.

3. Beholding Leads to Transformation

Scripture consistently connects beholding with transformation. By fixing our eyes on God’s truth and glory, we are changed into His image.

• 2 Corinthians 3:18: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory.” 
Transformation begins as we behold God’s glory, allowing His Spirit to work within us.

• Isaiah 6:1-8: Isaiah’s vision of the Lord’s majesty transformed him from a man of unclean lips to a willing servant, declaring, “Here am I; send me.”

Beholding God’s glory shifts our hearts, minds, and actions, aligning us with His will.

4. The Eternal Perspective of Beholding

2 Corinthians 4:18 highlights the temporal nature of the physical world and the permanence of the unseen, eternal realities. This eternal perspective is essential for living a life of faith.

• Revelation 21:5: “Behold, I make all things new.” God’s eternal plan of renewal and restoration calls us to look forward in faith, trusting in His sovereignty.

• Psalm 121:1-2: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord.” Beholding shifts our focus from earthly challenges to God’s divine provision.

This perspective enables believers to endure trials, knowing that the unseen work of God has eternal significance.

5. The Responsibility of Beholding

To behold is not a passive act; it is an active responsibility of faith. It requires intentional focus, trust, and obedience to God’s revelation.

• Luke 24:49: “Behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you.” Jesus directs His disciples to anticipate and receive the Holy Spirit. Beholding the promise required faith and obedience.

• Hebrews 12:2: “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” Fixing our gaze on Jesus sustains us in the race of faith, empowering us to overcome challenges.

Beholding demands a deliberate choice to trust in God’s Word and align our lives with His purposes.

6. Beholding as a Catalyst for Transformation

Transformation flows from a steadfast focus on God’s glory, promises, and activity. It is through beholding that we are:

• Renewed in Perspective: Recognizing God’s hand at work.
• Strengthened in Faith: Trusting in the eternal over the temporal.
• Empowered for Action: Walking in obedience to His revelations.

In conclusion, 2 Corinthians 4:18 summarizes the believer’s call to behold: to look beyond the visible and fix our gaze on the eternal. To behold is the responsibility of faith, requiring spiritual discernment, trust, and active engagement with God’s truth. It is through beholding that we are transformed, sustained, and empowered to live in alignment with God’s eternal purposes.
Let us take up this call to behold, lifting our eyes from the fleeting concerns of this world and fixing them on the unseen realities of God’s kingdom. In doing so, we will experience His glory, His power, and His transformative work in every aspect of our lives. It takes discipline. So help us Lord!