Gazing on Jesus!

Have you found yourself staring at something or someone?  You are so mesmerized by what you see, that you cannot take your eyes off of it. Such a trance-like state happens to us more often than we think.  We are hypnotized by television, enthralled by a beautiful flower, spellbound to our favorite sport’s team and enraptured by the beauty or rugged good looks of our spouse.  
What if you viewed Jesus with the same fascination?  Now, I realize we don’t get the chance to physically view Jesus in this life.  We walk by faith and not by sight ( II Corinthians 5:7).  But that does not mean we cannot behold Him, observe Him and gaze upon His holy perfection.   As a matter of fact, I would propose that gazing upon Jesus is one of the main ways we are changed into His image (Romans 8:29).
Read these verses…
II Corinthians 3:18 – And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.  For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 
Hebrews 3:1 – Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in the heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.
Hebrews 12:2 – Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…
What, then, does it mean to behold the glory of the Lord?  How can we consider Jesus and keep our eyes fixed on Him?  Here are a few important thoughts to ponder. 
1. Read the Gospels!
Without a doubt the principal teachings about Jesus and by Jesus are found in the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John).  Although each present the story of Jesus from a different viewpoint, they all share vital information to help you understand His person, His purpose, His preaching and His passion.  Let me challenge you to read through the Gospels several times a year.  They will help you to better know Jesus. 
2. Look for Jesus throughout the Bible.
Although the Gospels speak specifically about the life and ministry of Jesus the Messiah, they are not the only books of the Bible that speak of Him.  I would submit that the entire Bible is about Jesus.  That doesn’t mean that every verse is talking about Him, but rather that He is talking through every verse.  As the Living Word, He is the Author, the central Character and the Hero of all of Scripture.  
The flood and the ark, the Passover and the Red Sea, the wilderness and the Promised Land, the exile and the Return, the Temple, the sacrifices and the many prophetic promises all point to Jesus.  He is the fulfillment of all of those things.  The next time you read the Old Testament, put on your “Jesus” glasses and ask the Holy Spirit to help you see Him.
3. Meditate on one of Jesus’ attributes.
If Jesus’ goal if for you is to be like Him, then it makes perfect sense for you to meditate upon the divine characteristics that make Him lovely, admirable, imitable and worthy of praise.  Here are a few to get you started…

• He is gentle – Matthew 11:29; 21:5; II Corinthians 10:1
• He is humble – Matthew 11:29; Philippians 2:5-9
• He is patient – II Peter 3:9, 15
• He is compassionate – Matthew 14:14; 20:34; Mark 6:36

The simple, yet profound, truth is that the more you gaze at Jesus, the more you will become like Him. Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, can change you and transform you into His image. Jen Wilken, in her book Women of the Word said, “There is nothing more transformative in your life than beholding God in His Word.” 
Let me challenge you to take the time to gaze upon Jesus.  I promise He is more exquisite than a freshly opened rose.  He is more glorious than a sunrise at the beach.  He is even more beautiful than your children or grandchildren.  Look at Him!  Behold Him!  Gaze upon Him and allow His glorious image to transform you into the same image.