![]() ![]() Oh, we need the captivating to wipe out our selves-our reputations, everything that is associated with us and our own glory-that the One who captivates may be the only One in view, the only One with a reputation, and we at His feet. We are filled with joy, filled with victory. There are no regrets at having to “give up” things. If only it could be true that Christ had captured and captivated and mastered us, and become-yes, I will use the word-an obsession, a glorious obsession! When it is like that, we are filled with joy. Oh, this is what we need! If only you and I were like this, if we really after all were captivated by Christ! … After all, nine-tenths of our troubles can be traced to the fact that we have other personal interests influencing us, governing us and controlling us-other aspects of life than Christ. It solved all their problems, cleared up all their difficulties. It explains Paul … it explains these believers, it explains their mutual love. And I see, dear friends, that that-simple as it sounds-explains everything. They may have had their businesses, their trades, their professions, their different walks of life and occupations in the world, but they had one all-dominating thought, concern and interest-Christ. That is how it was with Paul and with these people. When Christ really captivates, everything happens and anything can happen. Austin-Sparks once wrote in his book The Gospel According to Paul, May Jesus woo and draw our hearts to Him as He captivates us with His divine beauty. ![]() ![]() Jonathan Edwards once wrote that “the divine beauty of Christ bows the wills, and draws the hearts of men.” Psalm 96:6 – “Splendor and majesty are before Him strength and beauty His sanctuary.” (ESV).Psalm 50:2 – “From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines in glorious radiance.” (NLT).In Psalm 27, David says he has one passion and desire, “One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple” (Psalm 27:4). As Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork.”ĭo you seek after the beauty of the Lord? Do you desire to be captivated by Him? If I become captivated with Christ, I will become captivated with His nature (perfect holiness, love, etc), for that is Who He is.Īs I was recently reminded, when we see the beauty of creation we are seeing an external picture (or a pale glimpse) of the true beauty of the Creator. Holiness is not a list of dos and don’ts, regulations to follow, or commands to keep. Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! – 1 Chronicles 16:29b, Psalm 29:2, Psalm 96:9. I found it interesting that three times in Scripture it mentions that holiness (a primary attribute of God) is considered beautiful. And the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. If not, we will struggle with boredom, and our hearts will be vulnerable to pursue other things.”*įor years I have prayed, “O Lord, capture my focus and captivate me!” In other words, “draw my attention to You and then enthrall me with Yourself.” It is as the great song declares: The book went on to say, “It’s essential that we become fascinated, gripped, and captivated by the Lord. I recently came across this great turn of phrase in a book I’ve been reading: “behold His irresistible beauty, remarkable splendor, and unfathomable love.”
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