As we mature, we begin to read the Bible, not as a mere doctrine book or rule book, not as a mere collection of stories with moral applications - but as a revelation of the glory of the Lord. God personally reveals Himself in the pages of Scripture. II Corinthians 3:18 tells us that, as we behold the glory of the Lord, a transformation takes place. The Spirit of the Lord changes us into His image. The Greek words imply that it is like looking into a mirror and the Lord's glory shines on us and then reflects from us to others (See the example of Moses on Mt. Sinai with God - Exodus 19:10-25; 20:18-22; 33:19-23; 34:29-35 cp. II Corinthians 3:7 - 4:6). This does not happen all at once. It is step by step, from glory to glory (II Corinthians 4:6; Colossians 3:10; John 1:14,16 [cp. Psalm 84:7; Proverbs 4:18; I Thessalonians 4:1,9-10; II Peter 3:18]; Romans 8:28-30; 12:1-2).

Now, let's behold the three glorious things than the Lord says He delights in.

Behold the lovingkindness / steadfast love of the Lord and be transformed. In view of God's holiness and justice, the grace, mercy, love, and loving-kindness of the Lord is a wonderful comfort to us. We should be grateful, inspired, and dedicated to being like Him in these things.

See Lamentations 3:22-23; Psalm 63:1-6; 145:8-9; Isaiah 55:6-7; Luke 9:51-56 (55); John 3:16-17 cp. Ephesians 4:1-3,30-32; Colossians 1:9-13; 3:12-15; II Timothy 2:24-26; 4:1-2; James 3:13-17. Warning: Matthew 18:21-25; 23:23-24 cp. Luke 11:42.

Behold the judgement / justice of the Lord and be transformed. The Judgment / Justice of the Lord describes His way of putting things in order. The Lord sees injustice and takes action to make things right. He protects and delivers those who are oppressed by others. He cares for the needy. He puts laws into place and will enforce them. He does not always move as swiftly as we would like, but nothing escapes His notice. The Lord will punish all sin one of two ways: 1) The Son of God will pay for the sins of His people, who come to Him in faith and repentance. 2) Those who do not believe and repent will die in their sins will face punishment forever, by being separated from God in the lake of fire.

See Psalm 10:12-18; 68:5-6; 146:5-10 cp. James 1:27; Romans 12:9-21; Galatians 6:10; I Timothy 6:17-19. See also Psalm 7:9-11; 50:1-23; Matthew 25:31-46; John 8:21-24; Revelation 20:11-15 cp. II Corinthians 4:6; 5:11a; I Corinthians 9:19-23; Colossians 1:25-29.

Behold the Righteousness of the Lord and be transformed.

See Psalm 9:7-10; 96:9-13; 98:1-9; 145:17 cp. I Peter 1:15-16; Psalm 15:1-5; 97:10-12; Romans 5:21; 8:1-4; James 1:18-26; II Peter 3:10-14. All three glorious things may be found in Psalm 103.