Behold Seeing God's Glory in Revelation

By Suzanne Benner

“BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS...” (Revelation 1:7 NASB)

Experience the glorious expectation given to believers. Hear the words Jesus speaks, as He reveals Himself to John. Deepen your understanding of the Lamb who was slain. Sit under the teaching of the Alpha and Omega. Worship Him who is holy and true, the Amen, the ruler of God’s creation, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Receive the blessing offered to all who hear and heed the words of Revelation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Suzanne Benner
• Release date: Dec 13, 2014
• ISBN: 9780988041431

Suzanne Benner

Suzanne Benner has been memorizing and presenting Scripture verbatim for thirty years. She writes for OneBook and lives in Calgary with her family. BEHOLD is her second book.If you are interested in having Suzanne recite all or some of Revelation at your church, you may contact her at: [e-mail]

Book preview

The traditional view of our Christian forefathers holds that the John identified as the author of Revelation is John the apostle, the son of Zebedee. John—while in exile on the island of Patmos—writes to believers as Christianity enters a time of persecution.

John stresses the imminent return of Jesus Christ and the final battle between God and Satan. He urges Christians to remain faithful to Jesus and to worship God alone, in the face of persecution and even death.

The apocalyptic style of Revelation is deeply symbolic, but thankfully John includes some helps within the text for understanding its meaning.

Although interpretations of Revelation vary, the NIV Study Bible’s introduction to the book encourages us. Fortunately, the fundamental truths of Revelation do not depend on adopting a particular point of view. They are available to anyone who will read the book for its overall message and resist the temptation to become overly enamored with the details.¹ Rather than avoiding Revelation because it’s scary or confusing, ask for God’s guidance and dive into this book that reveals God.

As you approach your reading of Revelation, please consider these steps as helps for your journey:

Begin by accepting the words of Revelation as true. Because Revelation is included in the canon of Scripture, we have confidence that orthodox Christianity recognizes Revelation as genuine and as an inspired word from God for the church. Our lack of comprehension doesn’t diminish its truth.

Next, seek to understand it. As with all Scripture, we need the Holy Spirit to direct us and give us understanding. Ask for His guidance. Mull a passage over in your mind. Read the words again and again.

Allow the passage to mould your thinking. God hears the cry of a humble heart. God transforms the one who submits his or her will to His will.

Put God’s word into practice. Though Revelation describes historical and future events, it overflows with practical application for today.

¹ Introductions to Books of the Bible, Revelation, in NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002).

How to Read BEHOLD

The sections of this book—arranged mostly in parallel with the text of Revelation—help to focus your attention on particular subjects. The sentences in italics at the end of each devotion contain my prayers of response to God. I encourage you to pray along with me.

In order to emphasize the importance of God’s word, extended passages of worship from the text of Revelation are included along with the devotions. This devotional book does not stand alone, but is meant to be read in conjunction with the reading of Revelation.

After each Scripture passage or devotion read, go through the following steps.

1. Examine:

What does it say? How does it describe God? How does it describe people?

2. Ponder:

Did it challenge my thinking? What wrong beliefs about God or myself did I have? Did I learn anything new?

Did God stir something in my heart? What encouraged, comforted, puzzled, or frightened me?

3. Apply:

How should I respond to God: with worship, repentance or thanksgiving? What truth do I need to believe? How—through the power of the Holy Spirit—do I need to change?

Revelation: A Book of Worship

Years ago, my pastor posed this question: Which book of the Bible contains the most worship? The answer—Revelation—surprised me.

That question sparked an incredible journey.

Instead of studying Revelation in view of End Times, I searched for examples of worship. Because writing helps me absorb information, copying verses filled with praise and adoration of God became my daily routine. Descriptions of God the Father and God the Son—Jesus Christ—along with their many titles also filled my notebook.

The Alpha and the Omega. The First and the Last. Him who is holy and true. The Amen. The faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. The Lion of the tribe of Judah. The Lamb who was slain. The Holy One. Lord God Almighty. King of kings and Lord of lords. The Root and the Offspring of David. The bright Morning Star.

As page by page my journal filled, God drew my heart into the daily discipline of recounting who He is and all He has done. This is worship.

When we worship, our attention turns from ourselves—our problems and our desires—and focuses on God.

We often spend too much time worrying, analyzing or planning. Paul urges us to think on good things: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8). He also instructs us to set our hearts and minds on things above. Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:1-2)

What better way to follow Paul’s instructions than to fix our thoughts on the attributes of our holy and awesome God?

As I read and reread the words of praise written in Revelation, something happens in my heart. Meditating on God’s power and might strengthens me. Thinking on His holiness and His worthiness creates thankfulness and humility in my heart. Hearing that He is faithful and true renews my spirit and teaches me not to fear.

Let me encourage you to read the book of Revelation in a new light. Begin to make worship part of your daily routine.

God, You are holy and righteous. Teach me to praise You.

Blessing

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. (Revelation 1:3)

God commands His followers to study the Scriptures, to meditate on His law and to obey His precepts. But only one book of the Bible promises a blessing for simply reading it.

God’s blessing awaits those who obey this straightforward instruction.

We need nothing beyond the ability to read and an open heart to take the first step: read the words of this prophecy.

The blessing extends to those who hear the revelation of Jesus Christ. This underlines the power of the spoken word and reminds us to pay attention to what we hear and read.

John encourages readers to listen—not in a superficial way—and to take to heart what they read. As you begin to read Revelation, ask God to prepare your heart and mind to hear what He has to say.

Heavenly Father, I want to receive Your blessing. Help me to hear what You say and take it to heart.

The All Powerful God

In the very first chapter of Revelation, John sets the tone for our encounter with God. This Almighty God—not bound by time or space or life and death—reveals Himself to John. The All Knowing, Everywhere Present and All Powerful God reveals Himself to us. You are invited to see and know Him.

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Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

Revelation 1:4-6

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Behold

Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. (Revelation 1:7 NASB)

And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book. (Revelation 22:7 NASB)

The word behold sounds decidedly old-fashioned. Maybe that’s what grabs my attention and forces me to consider it more carefully. Twenty-five times in the book of Revelation, the New American Standard Bible (NASB) translates a small Greek word as behold. The word simply means look, though it hints at suddenness and generally holds the emphasis of a command.

Over and over, whether quoting Jesus’ words or describing his vision, John urges us to see what he sees. Look. See. Behold.

We see with our eyes. And with our hearts. And with our minds.

The book of Revelation reveals God’s character. Holiness. Righteousness. Justice. Power. John calls us to recognize these qualities, to ponder their significance, to behold God’s glory.

The Word of God proclaims truth about God.

God reveals Himself in order for us to know Him.

Let us look with fresh eyes. May we see with hearts that