We Shall Behold Him

       As a kid, I enjoyed playing “cowboys and Indians” and got to run around with a neckerchief pulled up over my nose with cap guns blazing and the smell of ignited caps filling the air. We did it in the back yard but never in the house nor at church nor at the grocery store or the lunch counter at Woolworth. Now, I get to wear a mask again only this time it isn't in a game. Enterprising people have come up with novel ways to make a mask and many look like the faces of animals or the grim reaper or anything else that you want to put on them. You just have to wear a mask. You may have trouble recognizing some of your friends once they put on the “mask.” How will we recognize each other with a mask on? There is One Whom you will always be able to recognize and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. John 20:26-28 says, “And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.  And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.” Thomas and the rest of the disciples that were present that day had the blessing of standing face to face with the Risen Lord Jesus Christ. What an honor! What a privilege! Thomas didn't have to touch His outstretched hand but simply declared, “My Lord and my God.”

       He beheld the Lord Jesus Christ and it simply overcame him. There may be those who love the imprecatory Psalms where God is taking vengeance on the enemies of the believers. I think that will not be the thought of believers when they first meet the Lord. It will probably be more like what Thomas did, to simply behold Him and cry out, “MY Lord and My God.” I was feeling a tad low yesterday and decided to listen to a piece of music. It was Sandy Patty singing, “We Shall Behold Him.” I just closed my eyes and put on my earphones and was caught up into glory. It was a beautiful message in song and just what I needed for that moment. When you get to heaven, no mask will be required and you will be totally before God and you will know Him and you will be joining in with your perfect singing voice in absolute praise to Him. What a day that will be, when His glory I shall see. Praise God today for the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.