I know we are to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2Tim. 2:15). I know that we need to ensure we have the right interpretation before we move on to application. That we are to read the Word in context . . . line upon line . . . precept upon precept . . . thoughtfully and diligently studying to show ourselves approved workmen. But sometimes . . . sometimes it’s just about a phrase. The context doesn’t seem so important . . . the big picture gets lost . . . and the phrase captures your imagination and overwhelms your soul. And in those times, it just seems appropriate to “meditate on these things” (Php. 4:8). To think on . . . to turn over, again and again, in your mind . . . to ponder in your heart . . . extracting every ounce of spiritual nutrition . . . savoring the heavenly taste . . . chewing on that part of His word which God has served up for you in that moment. I came upon one of those phrases this morning in Isaiah . . .

“Your eyes will see the King in His beauty . . . ” (Isaiah 33:17a)

Stop there . . . don’t worry about the exact context . . . don’t try and figure out if it’s talking about the millennial kingdom or heaven . . . just ponder that eventuality. This is the hope . . . the confident expectation . . . the prize at the end of the race . . . the true crown of blessing . . . the reason to keep on keepin’ on . . . your eyes will see the King in His beauty!

Regardless of how we as believers might practice the faith . . . or understand specific doctrines or Scriptures . . . if we are redeemed by the shed blood of the Son of God . . . if we have, by faith, received the gift of His sacrifice on behalf of our transgression . . . if we have confessed with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believed within our depths that He alone can save us . . . then these words are ours . . . your eyes will see the King in His beauty!

Oh, to behold Him! What will that be like? However the optic nerve works in that day, it will have to deal with the overwhelming input of the majestic King of glory. Arrayed in white . . . glory shining forth from His very essence . . . lifted high . . . His countenance such that we will not be able to look away but be drawn with rapt attention . . . yet His countenance such that we will have an overwhelming need to go facedown in humble awe and worship. To behold Him and see beyond the majesty of glory the scars on His hands and feet . . . to see in the King of Kings also the presence of the Lamb of God . . . to see the One who loved us to death . . . literally. Therein lies so much of the beauty.

To gaze upon Immanuel . . . God in flesh . . . to consider again Him who entered our experience that we might one day encounter His . . . to stare with unblinking eyes at Him who has interceded on our behalf at the right hand of Almighty God while we have stumbled along on our earthly pilgrimage. Think on it . . . welcome whatever picture might describe it best . . . footprints in the sand . . . a lamb on the shepherd’s shoulders . . . therein lies the beauty of the King.

And it won’t just be the eye that processes the King’s beauty, but the heart too will be set upon with trying to process His magnificent being.

How do you respond to such a sight . . . what will it be like to see the King in His beauty? . . . “Surrounded by Your glory . . . what will my heart feel . . . will I dance for You Jesus . . . or in awe of You be still? Will I stand in Your presence . . . or to my knees will I fall . . . will I sing, ‘Hallelujah!’ . . . will I be able to speak at all?” (MercyMe’s “I Can Only Imagine”)

Words fail what the heart feels . . . as you think on it, it really is better felt than tell’t . . . what joy and pleasure to savor . . . worth chewing on . . .

We shall behold Him! Amen?

(Got 6 more minutes? Continue to “chew” as a fellow trophy of grace contemplates that day . . . click here . . . )