“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17
In the book of Proverbs in the Bible, Solomon wrote down many wise, and profound truths. One of those truths has to do with a “vision,” or revelation, that work of God whereby He takes the objective truth of Scripture and makes it alive to the heart and soul of the believer. The matter, or issue, of the revealed truth, awareness, and conviction of who God IS, and what His will IS, essential to faith. The writer of the book of Hebrews puts it like this when speaking of the believer’s race in which he is engaged, a race against time and opportunity, in a context of opposition, difficulty, and suffering, but with great reward. He writes that the race is to be run, “…looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (12:2) Why is this vision of Christ so very important? We get a glimpse of its importance when we read the story of Stephen, his testimony before the godless religious leaders of his day, especially during the final minutes of his life. Scripture tells us that Stephen “…being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:55) This vision of the victorious Christ, in a context of venomous hatred directed at Stephen because of his testimony for Christ, would keep him steady and steadfast, even when the stones began flying at him. It would be in those last fleeting moments that Stephen would call upon God, and say, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” then crying with a loud voice, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” (Acts &:59,60) Stephen would prove what the hymnwriter would pen so many years afterward concerning the Lord Jesus: “Like Him, with pardon on his tongue, In midst of mortal pain, He prayed for them that did the wrong: who follows in His train?”
The whole of Christianity is based on revelation, or the correct and balanced vision of Christ communicated by the Spirit, according to the truth of Scripture. How we see God, and perceive the truth of Him in Christ, will determine the strength and overcoming, enduring power of faith. The greater, and more personal, the vision of Christ, of HIs greatness, goodness, mercy and love, the greater will faith rise to meet the demands and difficulties of life, to overcome them, and glorify God. True persevering faith begins with a fresh vision of Christ, both in the knowledge of the truth, but also in the power given by the Spirit to grasp and live by the Life of Christ. Christianity is a life of receiving from God the eternal Life of Christ by the Spirit, to be communicated to others by the Spirit.
When Jonah was in the belly of the fish, he remembered the Lord. His vision was restored, and a glimmer of hope returned so that he would cry out to God for a miracle. The miracle of his deliverance came to pass. David, along with his men, when an enemy came in their absence and stole away their families and all that they owned, they were for a time in a pit of despair. But it was when David “encouraged himself in the Lord,” that the vision returned, and faith strengthened the soul to pray. God would answer the prayer and grant them success in recovering all. And lastly, Samson, having been blinded by his enemies, and made a slave, would remember his God, and the vision would return. In his darkness Samson would see light, praying for his strength to return just one more time. God answered his prayer because of a renewed vision that was essential to faith.
Solomon wrote: “Where there is no vision the people perish.” (Prov. 29:18)
Dear Father, Give us Thy vision. In Jesus’ name, Amen.