This week’s readings are based on the “Behold” sermon series. For this series, we are looking at what it truly means to BEHOLD, gaze at, grasp, relish, internalize, and rejoice in Jesus Christ. Start beholding right now by giving thanks for this time with God. Then start reading the text and letting it read you.

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
Revelation 7:9-10 (NIV)

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
Revelation 21:3-5a (NIV)

These two passages of Revelation give us a snapshot of what is to come. This is only made possible through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He currently reigns in Heaven until the day He returns to fulfill these verses. In the meantime, we live, move, breathe, and wait with hope in the victory of Christ.

How does where you place your hope impact the focus of your life? As you start this new year, what is the source of your hope?