Look! (part 1 of 4)

Some words just seem to be suited for emphasis all by themselves. There are single words that when uttered with varying voice inflections can convey a compelling message. The word "LOOK" is one of those words.

Someone could say, "LOOK!" and we would. We would turn and LOOK at what they wanted us to see. In effect this would be saying, "LOOK at that!" This would most likely be expressed with some excitement.

Someone -- with finger wagging in our face -- might say, "LOOK!" and we would know they had a point we were not to miss. This would be conveying the idea of "LOOK here now!" and might be expressed with great firmness.

Someone might hand us a book, an article, or a journal and encourage us with the word, "LOOK!" The idea in mind here would be "LOOK for yourself and you will see the truth on the matter!" or simply, "Check it out!" This too could be expressed with firmness and perhaps a bit of exasperation as well.

Each of these three ways reveals that "LOOK" is a word used with the intent of getting another's attention!

In Revelation we read. . .
"BEHOLD, HE IS COMING with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen." ( Revelation 1:7 ESV)

The New Living Translation reads. . .
"LOOK! HE COMES with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him -- even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the earth will weep because of him. Yes! Amen!" [NLT © 1997, Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House]

I believe this was meant to be an attention getting verse. However, consider the various impacts this verse can have depending on where one is in relation to God's eternal promises in Christ. I think we could illustrate this by viewing the word "BEHOLD" or "LOOK" in the three ways I have described above. Does this verse get our attention? Does this verse motivate us? Does this verse frighten us? Does this verse excite us? Over the next three days (Lord willing) we will focus on each of these three aspects.

Have a great day LOOKING TO BEHOLD AS WE OUGHT!
Carl
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[This focus was originally sent 04/25/1999 (edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

See other teEn-MAIL on Expectations