Pastor and theologian John Piper has a gift for simplifying profound truth with memorable little phrases that roll right off the tongue. This phrase is one of the most helpful: Beholding is becoming. He means that God is so powerful, that simply gazing at Him in a biblically-informed way makes us more like Him.
Beholding does, indeed, transform the believer. And this simple truth has improved my walk with God, as it has for many of you. So, as you read, please remember that I’m not critiquing Pastor Piper. I simply want to supplement an idea from the High Priestly Prayer of John 17. But, before getting to that, we need to understand something about the prayer itself.
Jesus’s words are fascinating in their intricacy; I’d be lying to say that I understand all the logical connectors. The truths whirl round and round, revisiting and always progressing. Jesus moves marvelously from point to point with the subtlest of variations, constantly re-coloring the previous thought with the forthcoming request.
Yet, in all its complexity, one thing is clear: Jesus is intensely concerned about His own glory. At multiple points, Jesus asks God to glorify Him with the same glory that He possessed before taking human flesh. Our position with God, our knowledge of Christ, our unity with fellow believers, our belief before the unbelieving world, our sanctification in Christ’s truth, and our gazing at Christ all glorify Him, our Savior.
Beholding is becoming. Yes, that’s absolutely right. And it’s here that I’d like to make that addition: Beholding is glorifying. Knowing Christ, abiding in Him, and gazing at Him brings Jesus the glory for which He prayed. Further, by gazing at Jesus (and thereby glorifying Him), we participate in God’s answer to His chief prayer request.
Let’s let that sink in for a minute: we have a role in the fulfillment of Christ’s prayer. When we gaze at Jesus, we’re working within God’s sovereign purposes to glorify His Son.
Now, the question remains, just how do we glorify Jesus by gazing at Him?
To answer that question, let’s get real practical. Different people will gaze in different ways, I’m sure. But I’m happy to describe how I’ve tried to gaze, inadequate as it may be. Confession: they’re all borrowed methods. Whether instruction from the Bible, suggestions from pastors, or snippets of biographies from my Christian heroes, I won’t offer anything original.
1. Commit a Block of Time
Relaxed gazing just takes time. Let me illustrate. I like to take Utah visitors on a hike up to about 8000 ft. where they’re treated to a majestic overlook. I’ve never had anybody get to the view, snap a selfie, and start heading home within five minutes. No, they soak in the sights and relish every detail while saying things like, “Pictures don’t do it justice.” Beholding cannot be rushed.
2. Enter God’s Presence
I attempt to imagine entering the throne room of grace as its described by various Biblical authors. I acknowledge that I’m standing before a cloud of heavenly witness as I kneel alone, washed in the blood of Christ with the Holy Spirit as my Advocate.
3. State Your Intent
I quietly say words like these, “Lord, if it would please you, I would like to bow at your feet and revel in your presence.” Then, unrushed, I simply soak in the opportunity of unhindered access to this very throne. Oh, the privilege of being before the King of Ages — the God who sent His Son to gain this very access tells me to enter confidently.
4. Sing
Here’s where things may seem a little different if you’re unaccustomed to this prayer method. After beholding, I sing. Out loud. And anyone can hear me if they’re close enough. I admit, I felt a little strange at first. Me, alone, singing in my pathetic, tone deaf voice. But angels sing before the throne. God worked miraculously the very moment that King Jehoshaphat sang praises to the King of kings. God even busted Paul and Silas out of prison as they sang. I heard one believer put it this way, “When Paul and Silas began to sing, God, by and by, began to tap his foot.” I always imagine that God begins to affect His purposes the instant I begin to sing.
Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name. Psalm 66:1-4
5. Praise
Over and again I thank God for the opportunity to glorify Him. In these moments, I’m not only transformed by the act of beholding, but accomplishing the chief purpose of Jesus’s High Priestly prayer.
Perhaps it will look different for you. I’m happy for other ideas if you’d like to share them in the comments. But if you’ve never tried a prayer exercise like this, I’d highly recommend it — not only for your benefit, but for Christ’s blood-bought glorification.
