Invitations to Faith: Come, Behold, Adore
Summary
In today's reflection, we explored the profound invitation encapsulated in the beloved Christmas hymn, "O Come, All Ye Faithful." This hymn is more than just a seasonal melody; it is a call to worship, a beckoning to come and witness the miracle of Christ's birth. The hymn's imperative commands—come, behold, and adore—are not mere suggestions but vital invitations to engage with the divine mystery of God made flesh.
The journey begins with the invitation to "come." This is the starting point of faith, where God reaches out to us, inviting us into His presence. It is a call to leave behind our burdens and find rest in Him, as Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28-30. This invitation is not just for the weary but for anyone seeking hope and transformation. The act of coming to Jesus is transformative, not just for us but for the world around us, as we become conduits of His love and grace.
Next, we are called to "behold." This is more than a casual glance; it is an invitation to be captivated by the wonder of God’s work in the world. To behold is to see with the eyes of faith, to recognize the new thing God is doing, as described in Isaiah 43. It is to witness the incarnation, the Word made flesh, and to understand that through Jesus, God is making all things new. This beholding is an active engagement, a pursuit of understanding and a longing to see God’s hand at work in our lives and the world.
Finally, we are invited to "adore." Adoration is the natural response to beholding the glory of God. It is an expression of deep love and reverence, a recognition of God’s greatness and our place in His creation. When we truly see what God has done through Jesus, our hearts are moved to worship. This adoration is not just an emotional response but a profound acknowledgment of God’s love and grace, leading us to live in a way that reflects His glory.
Key Takeaways:
- The invitation to "come" is foundational to our faith journey. It is a call to leave our burdens and find rest in Jesus, who knows our struggles and desires to transform us. This invitation is not just for the weary but for anyone seeking hope and transformation. [17:15]
- To "behold" is to engage deeply with the work of God. It is more than seeing; it is being captivated by the new thing God is doing, as described in Isaiah 43. This beholding invites us to witness the incarnation and understand that through Jesus, God is making all things new. [27:21]
- "Adoration" is the response to truly beholding God’s work. It is an expression of deep love and reverence, recognizing God’s greatness and our place in His creation. This adoration leads us to live in a way that reflects His glory. [30:17]
- The transformation of the world and individual lives happens through invitation, not force. Jesus’ call to "come and see" is a gentle yet powerful invitation that changes us and, through us, the world. [25:54]
- Our relationship with God is not superficial but one where we are fully known and loved. This relationship, made possible through Jesus, offers us eternal life and a profound sense of belonging and purpose. [32:33]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[17:15] - The Invitation to Come
[25:54] - Beholding the Miracle
[27:21] - The Depth of Beholding
[28:31] - Witnessing God's New Work
[30:17] - The Call to Adore
[31:25] - Worship Through Adoration
[32:33] - Relationship and Transformation
[34:14] - Finding Rest and Hope
[35:31] - Prayer and Reflection
[38:24] - Joy and Praise
[48:24] - Closing Reflections
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 11:28-30
2. Isaiah 43:18-19
3. John 3:16-17
---
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three imperative commands found in the hymn "O Come, All Ye Faithful," and how do they relate to the sermon? [17:15]
2. How does the invitation to "come" in Matthew 11:28-30 reflect Jesus' understanding of our struggles and needs? [25:54]
3. In Isaiah 43:18-19, what new thing is God doing, and how does this relate to the concept of "beholding"? [27:21]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the disciples' response to Jesus in Matthew 28 after His resurrection? [30:17]
---
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the invitation to "come" serve as a foundational aspect of one's faith journey, according to the sermon? [17:15]
2. What does it mean to "behold" with the eyes of faith, and how does this differ from simply looking at something? [27:21]
3. How does the act of adoration transform our relationship with God and our understanding of His work in the world? [30:17]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that transformation in the world and individual lives occurs through invitation rather than force? [25:54]
---
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt burdened or weary. How did you respond to Jesus' invitation to "come" and find rest? [25:54]
2. What are some practical ways you can "behold" the new things God is doing in your life and the world around you? [27:21]
3. How can you cultivate a heart of adoration in your daily life, recognizing God's greatness and your place in His creation? [30:17]
4. Consider someone in your life who might be seeking hope and transformation. How can you extend an invitation to them to "come and see" what God is doing? [25:54]
5. In what ways can you actively engage with the divine mystery of God made flesh during this Christmas season? [17:15]
6. How does understanding that God knows our struggles and desires impact your relationship with Him? [25:54]
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to let go of past burdens and embrace the new thing God is doing. How can you take a step towards this change? [27:21]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
---
Day 1: The Invitation to Rest in Jesus
The journey of faith begins with an invitation to "come" to Jesus, leaving behind burdens and finding rest in Him. This call is not limited to the weary but extends to anyone seeking hope and transformation. Jesus' invitation is a gentle yet powerful call to experience His love and grace, which transforms not only our lives but also the world around us. As we respond to this invitation, we become conduits of His love, sharing the hope and transformation we have received. [17:15]
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV): "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Reflection: What burdens are you carrying today that you need to bring to Jesus? How can you intentionally seek His rest and transformation in your life this week?
Day 2: Beholding the New Work of God
To "behold" is to engage deeply with the work of God, seeing with the eyes of faith and recognizing the new things He is doing. This is more than a casual glance; it is an invitation to be captivated by the wonder of God's work in the world. Through Jesus, God is making all things new, and we are called to witness this transformation. As we behold the incarnation, we are invited to understand and participate in God's ongoing work in our lives and the world. [27:21]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What new thing is God doing in your life or community that you need to perceive and engage with? How can you actively participate in His work today?
Day 3: Responding with Adoration
Adoration is the natural response to truly beholding God's work. It is an expression of deep love and reverence, recognizing God's greatness and our place in His creation. When we see what God has done through Jesus, our hearts are moved to worship. This adoration is not just an emotional response but a profound acknowledgment of God's love and grace, leading us to live in a way that reflects His glory. [30:17]
Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV): "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand."
Reflection: How can you express adoration to God in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to reflect His glory in your interactions with others?
Day 4: Transformation Through Invitation
The transformation of the world and individual lives happens through invitation, not force. Jesus' call to "come and see" is a gentle yet powerful invitation that changes us and, through us, the world. This transformation is rooted in a relationship with God, where we are fully known and loved. As we respond to His invitation, we experience a profound sense of belonging and purpose, which empowers us to be agents of change in the world. [25:54]
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."
Reflection: In what ways can you extend Jesus' invitation to others in your life? How can you be a conduit of His love and transformation in your community?
Day 5: Embracing a Deep Relationship with God
Our relationship with God is not superficial but one where we are fully known and loved. This relationship, made possible through Jesus, offers us eternal life and a profound sense of belonging and purpose. As we embrace this relationship, we are invited to live in a way that reflects God's love and grace, impacting the world around us. This deep connection with God transforms our lives and empowers us to fulfill His purposes. [32:33]
Ephesians 3:17-19 (ESV): "So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with God today? What specific steps can you take to root yourself more firmly in His love and purpose?
Quotes
Let's go to the Lord in prayer as we begin. Father, we're grateful. We're grateful for the Word of God that is alive and active. For the ways, Father, that you meet us. us minister to us fill us and guide us and strengthen us and save us and so father would you pour out your spirit again this morning as we open up the word together where you promise wherever two or three gather in your name that you're with them so we claim that promise this morning and the transformative work that it does as we gather Lord and so Lord come empty me of myself fill me with your spirits overflowing that the words of my mouth the meditations of our hearts might be acceptable in your sight for you are our strength and our salvation and all God's people say together amen well we are in our second second sermon in the series on behold and like I said it'll be a little different flow and what one of the most beloved hymns Christmas hymns is oh come all ye faithful it's this wonderful song and the origins of the song go back to the mid -1700s where it was sung in Latin venite adoramus oh come let us adore him and it's become kind of this favorite hymn and song this time of year you can hear it in elevator music or you can hear it on piano in the mall and of course during worship services around the world I remember back in high school there was a group of us members of the choir and of the orchestra in the in the car and the school that I went to and we would dress up in Dickens kind of outfits you know like top hats and they were hold this whole this whole get -up and we would we would go to the nursing homes and country clubs and to Christmas parties and it was called strolling strings and we would wander around these events singing Christmas songs and playing and I would hook my cello on the back of my neck and wander around these people and and play these Christmas songs oh come all ye faithful I would play this bass line for it this goofy little sweet fun event the song more than just this familiar song though it's more than just kind of a little bit of a song it's more than just kind of a little bit of a song it's more than just kind of a great holiday tune for it's a song that really calls out to us it calls us to worship to worship this child born for us the King of Kings and the Lord of lords Jesus the Christ before I became a pastor I had a number of different things that I did over the years my daughters are always like what else did you do because I've had all kinds of various work and construction and all kinds of things one of the things I did was I was a teacher for two years I taught seventh ninth eleventh grade English seventh grade science seventh grade math yearbook typing and had a study hall which is why I only taught for two years [00:17:15] (166 seconds)
it was crazy anyways I love teaching English I was my major and at least I loved it because I loved reading discussing essays and short stories and books teaching creative writing that was kind of my passion I love that kind of stuff the truth be told I did not like teaching grammar I didn't like teaching grammar for a couple of reasons in part because I don't like grammar I'm just I'm just not good at it and as I and as I got really into writers I discovered that if you're a really famous good writer grammar doesn't matter you can do whatever you want the other side of it is the kids didn't really enjoy it either that being said I do remember a few things and this isn't gonna be a grammar lesson praise be to God everybody say amen there are four different sentences that give you can classify sentences into four different things for instance an imperative sentence like what we find in this Christmas self Inauguration hymn oh come all ye faithfulrative come come over here come and see and there are three kind of imperative commands within this first verse will come all you faith that I want to touch on today as we talk about and discuss and discover what it means to behold what God is doing oh come all you faithful beautiful latching on to come and behold and adore imperative that word itself means like vital import it's crucial it is essential it's urgent which is just it just happens to be exactly what the writer of the hymn wants us to know that's what happening at the manger with the birth of this child is essential it is of the utmost importance it is imperative for all of us to know and to see to come behold and adore let's look at these three we dive in this morning oh come all ye faithful joyful and triumphant oh come ye oh come ye to bethlehem there's just this excitement in the calling isn't there come look and see see what god has done faith in jesus begins by god coming to us you and then god inviting us to come to him it all begins with this simple invitation come god comes and then invites us to come come and see in fact when you're reading jesus ministry when you read the gospel of john you find that come and see over and over again particularly in the first chapter of john it's how jesus ministry began with these words come and see jesus said it to andrew andrew basically said it to his brother simon jesus then said it to philip and then philip said it to nathaniel come and see it's one of the things that when we started this church it was just bedlam and we really didn't have much space we were kind of you know why it was just kind of in a shopping i mean in a in a storefront you know and what's going on over there and literally people are just like oh my god i'm in the church would simply just say to their friends i don't know come and see come and see it's the same invitation that jesus gives to the disciples it's how jesus ministry started how this church started come and see it's beyond important it's beyond urgent see what god has done it's imperative that you come for your sake and for god's who adores you and jesus would continue throughout his ministry to invite us to come because he knows our struggles and our needs and he knows our needs and he knows our needs and he knows our needs and he knows our needs amen he knows our brokenness and our doubts he understands the very thing most that we most desperately desire and that it can only come through a relationship with him in matthew chapter 11 verses 28 to 30 we go there a lot we we come to this verse over and over jesus says come to me all you who are late who labor and are heavy laden and i will give you rest take my yoke upon you and learn from me for i'm gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls for my yoke is easy and my burden is light are you overwhelmed no are you weighed down by the state of the world or the simple struggles that you that you have on a day -to -day basis are you trying to find hope or light at the end of the tunnel are you tired of yourself of struggling to find the right way to live and to live in the right way to live in the right way to live in the right balance in life are you striving to overcome your own brokenness on a daily basis jesus calls out come to me it's imperative that you come for in him you will find rest through abundant rest for your souls anybody need a little of that besides me [00:25:54] (0 seconds)
See, when we come to him, we are changed. And through us, Jesus shapes the world around us. This is what's incredible. The transformation of the world and of individual lives doesn't happen by revolution or force, but by an invitation. Come and see. [00:27:21] (25 seconds)
It's imperative in order for change in you and the world. So come, come. O come, all ye faithful, joyful, and triumphant. O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. [00:28:31] (12 seconds)
The invitation isn't simply to come and gawk at a baby. Although, if you've ever had a child and you've walked out around it, it's always so fascinating to me. And especially with our first one, our first child. We have four daughters. Our oldest. It was amazing. Julie would be carrying this child somewhere, and people would just come up to her. And just pick it up. And you're like, I don't know. What do you do with my baby? By the fourth, you're like, yeah, whatever. Take it home if you want. I'm totally kidding. But there is something that just draws them in. [00:28:31] (32 seconds)
And when we say, come and behold him, it isn't simply to come and just stare at this child. It is to behold this amazing thing that God has done. [00:30:17] (10 seconds)
The word of God has become flesh. It has become flesh. Love incarnate. Incarnate means to take on the flesh, the form of a man. To become. [00:30:17] (12 seconds)
The invitation is to behold what God has done. And is doing through this child. Do you remember from last week what behold even means? Right? [00:30:17] (9 seconds)
Behold something is to not just simply to intently look at it. In Greek, we get it transcribed or translated sometimes as, see, look at what God has done. Look. But biblically, to behold. Behold is something more than that. It isn't merely to look at a thing being pointed out. It's to be captivated by it. To be enthralled. To gaze into. To seek and to search. To pursue and to long for the thing or the person that's being pointed out. Behold. [00:30:17] (28 seconds)
It's to gaze into and desire. And it calls out imperatively. Dive in. Seek after. Chase. Want to understand. Come and behold what God has done. [00:30:17] (14 seconds)
In Isaiah chapter 43, which might be one of my favorite chapters in the whole Bible. I love Isaiah chapter 43. From the beginning to the end. It's absolutely astounding. And I would suggest at some point you read Isaiah 43. Which starts out so awesome and it ends. It's just a phenomenal chapter in the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 43 verses 18 or 19. The prophet calls out and he says, Forget the former things. [00:30:17] (31 seconds)
Don't dwell on the past. And then it says this. Behold. I'm doing a new thing. This is what God is saying. Forget the former things. Behold, I'm doing a new thing. Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it? [00:30:17] (16 seconds)
I'm making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. [00:30:17] (6 seconds)
God is on the move. And we can. Witness it. And we are a part of it. It's happening to us and through us. The son has been given. And everything was created through him and for him. And everything will be redeemed and made new by our relationship with him. Come and behold what God has done. Behold this child. This savior. [00:30:17] (24 seconds)
Find hope and peace and joy and life. It's here at the manger. Come. [00:30:17] (12 seconds)
Finally. Oh come let us adore him. Oh come let us adore him. Oh come let us adore him. Christ the Lord. It's repeated over and over in the psalm. In the song. [00:30:17] (19 seconds)
See after Jesus' death and resurrection. The disciples had been instructed by Jesus to go to Galilee. And to go up on a mountain. And it's recorded in Matthew chapter 28. Which is also a chapter that we come back to time and time again. And the text says this. That as the eleven disciples went to Galilee. And to the mountain that Jesus had instructed them to go. When they saw him they. Do you remember what it says? Worshipped him. When they saw him. They worshipped him. Risen from the dead. Watched him be killed. Walked with him through his life. And when they saw him on that mountain. Raised from the dead. They worshipped him. [00:30:17] (44 seconds)
In Matthew Henry's commentary on the Bible. Which is a very kind of a famous commentary on scripture. In Matthew Henry's commentary on the Bible. His comment on that particular verse. Those verses. He says this. [00:30:17] (15 seconds)
All that see the Lord. All that see the Lord Jesus with an eye of faith. Will worship. Him. Will worship him. [00:30:17] (14 seconds)
When you hear that imperative to come. When you do that. And you behold what God has done. With the eye of faith. Perceiving what God has done for us. And through us. Through Jesus birth and life and death and resurrection. There's only one response. Adoration. To adore. And worship and praise. To adore. In the one sense means to love and respect something great. To love intensely. To adore. I adore you. But there's more to that word than that. We maybe use it in too mundane of a way. [00:30:17] (35 seconds)
Because it also implies awe and worship. Adoration. To adore. [00:30:17] (10 seconds)
