DAY 24
BEHOLD AND BECOME
STEVEN DEMICK, WORSHIP DIRECTOR, THE WOODS CHURCH
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” —John 1:29
Have you ever noticed how, when two friends are deeply engaged in conversation, they often begin to mimic each other's movements and expressions? One crosses their right leg over their left, and a few moments later, the other does the same. One person leans forward, eyes wide with excitement while sharing a thrilling story, and the other soon mirrors the same posture, becoming just as animated. This phenomenon, known as "mirroring," happens almost unconsciously. The more we look at someone, the more we start to reflect their gestures, expressions, and even their tone. It’s as if, without realizing it, we absorb a piece of them into ourselves—copy, paste. What we gaze upon consistently shapes us, molding us in ways we may not even notice at first.
Imagine if we mirrored Jesus in the same way we do with others. When He goes, we go. When He stays, we stay. If His heart overflows with love for our neighbors, our hearts naturally follow suit. As He despises injustice and stands against evil, we also find ourselves moved to take a stand. As He is holy, we too are drawn toward holiness. And the beauty of it all is that we don't have to wonder if Jesus embodies these virtues—He absolutely does. Every thought, word, and action of His is the perfect example of what it means to live in complete surrender to God. This kind of surrender is what you and I are called to walk in. We are called to mirror Christ. If we don’t, how are we supposed to be a reflection and extension of his love to a broken and lost world?
Unfortunately, when most people approach the idea of Christlikeness, they often feel discouraged by their human limitations, believing they are bound to sin and forever fall short of the way God calls us to live. However, the truth is that we who are in Christ are no longer slaves to sin. Rather, we are free from its power. As Paul reminds us in Romans 6:18, "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." This freedom means that it is not only possible to become like Jesus in the way we live, but
it is also our calling as children of God. We are no longer held back by the chains of our past failures or sinful nature because through Christ, we have been given a new nature—a new life! The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, empowering us to walk in holiness and righteousness. Therefore, becoming like Jesus isn't about striving in our own strength but about submitting to his Spirit, who works within us to make us like Christ.
So, when you wonder, “How can I truly become like Jesus? How can I honor God by living a life that is holy and set apart? How do I love the Lord with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength, and extend that love to my neighbors?” remember that the journey begins not with our efforts but with our focus. Although the path toward becoming like Jesus can seem difficult, thankfully, the answer is simple: Look at Jesus! Fix your eyes on him, and let His beauty, His character, and His ways captivate your heart and mind. Remember, we become like the person or thing we behold. The greatest way to behold Christ is through the rhythm of prayer. In prayer, we clear away the noise and distractions of the world, remove the obstacles that fog up our vision, and fix our gaze solely on the Lord. It is in these sacred moments that we are transformed more and more into His likeness. When we intentionally create space to gaze upon Jesus, we can’t help but reflect His character and heart. Prayer, along with worship and reading His Word, allows us to know Jesus deeper, and through that growing relationship, we are continually conformed into His image.
For me, this time of prayer often begins with a simple yet powerful request: “Jesus, would you make me more like You? Make me holy and blameless before You. As I spend time with You, eyes locked with Yours, align my heart with Yours!” As I ask these things, I find that my heart becomes more open and receptive to His transformative work. I have also found great power in praying scripture within the theme of becoming like Jesus, aligning my desires with the words of God. Here are some of the passages I often turn to:
Ephesians 1:15-23 — A prayer for wisdom and revelation to know Jesus more
Matthew 22:37-39 — Jesus’ call to love the Lord and others
1 Peter 1:15-16 — A call to holiness, as God who called us is holy
2 Corinthians 3:18 — A reminder that we are being transformed
into God’s image
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 — A prayer for God to sanctify us
Ultimately, if we are to become like Christ, we need to behold Him. It is in this place of beholding God that we are truly transformed. As we passionately pursue His presence, the Spirit of God begins to chip away at the things in our lives that don’t glorify Him. As we seek Him with all our hearts, we find that His image begins to reflect in us more clearly, and His character becomes evident in our lives. What an honor it is to carry and reflect the love of God! May we never grow weary of seeking His face, knowing that with every moment spent in His presence, we are being made more like Him— holy, pure, and filled with His perfect love. Let us say “yes” to John the Baptist’s call, to “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)
PRAYER
Lord, I come before You with a humble heart, asking that You would mold me and shape me to be more like You. I surrender my thoughts, my desires, and my will to You, choosing not to fix my eyes on the fleeting things of this world, but on You. As I gaze upon You, I trust that You will purify my heart and mind, cleansing me from all that does not reflect Your character. Draw me closer to You with every moment, and let my life be a mirror that reflects Your love, grace, and truth to those around me. Help me, Lord, to love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to extend that love to my neighbors in every interaction. May the power of Your Spirit work powerfully within me, enabling me to live a life that honors You in every way. Fill me with Your love, that it might overflow to those I encounter. Make me holy, Lord, as You are holy. Set me apart for Your purposes and guide my steps so that I may walk in Your ways. I believe with all of my heart that You are faithful. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
