Dear Ones:
Solomon, in writing the book of the Proverbs, wrote: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Prov. 29:18) In the days of Samuel, before the people recognized that he “was established to be a prophet of the Lord,” (1 Sam. 3:20), Scripture declares, “…And the word of the Lord was precious in those days: there was no open VISION.” (1 Sam. 3:1) Now, why is this so important to mention? The VISION that the people had, or did not have, of God and His word, would determine the whole demeanor and state of their lives. Because of their lack of a vision, a true understanding of God (Christ) was, and what His will was, they were left to themselves, and naturally, would go their own way. They would consequently forsake the Lord, His ways, and their eternal purpose, basically because they had lost the vision.
What made David the man he would become? We can respond, “The Spirit of God.” And this is true. But part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit to David was to give him a vision of God, a clear vision of the goodness, power, and love of God. We might even say that his vision was primarily of the “…beauty of the Lord.” In fact, this is what David prays for in Psalm 27: “…One thing I have desired of the Lord, and that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to BEHOLD the beauty of the Lord, and inquire in His temple.” (v. 4) It is as David, by the Spirit of God, and according to the truth of God’s word, SEES, perceives the “beauty of the Lord, ” that he is “ruined” for all else beside. How could Asaph, in Psalm 73, write: “Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is NONE upon earth that I desire beside Thee.” (v.25) There is something in that vision of God by Asaph that brings him to compare all that is upon earth to God, and decide that indeed, God is much better, higher, most blessed. If we go to the New Testament, we see the Apostle Paul who has an experience of being lifted up to the third heaven, seeing things he cannot describe or express. But even this vision of heaven does not compare with his Vision of Christ, about whom he will write: “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21) How can he prefer Christ above all else, even life itself? It is because of his vision of Christ that eclipses all else.
How is it possible to have such a vision of Christ, that it becomes very real to us, and be the dominating factor in the life? How can the eternal be seen, grasped, understood, and this in such a way, that our motivation for living coincides with God’s purposes, will, and way? For that which “…eye hath not see, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man…GOD HATH REVEALED them unto us by His Spirit.” (1 Cor. 2:9-10) God takes the truth of His word, and unveils to our hearts and minds the great reality of that truth. That truth will always lead to Christ, for He IS the truth. And it is as we trust God, by His Spirit to reveal the “things of God” to us, that Jesus Christ becomes an increasing reality to our souls, thus, bringing about change and transformation.
Dear Lord, grant us by Thy Spirit, to behold Thee…to behold the “beauty of the Lord.” Open the eyes of our hearts to perceive the great reality of Thy glory and splendor, Thy goodness and mercy….Thy love. And enable us to lay hold upon Thee according to that which Thou does reveal, so that we “run after Thee,” and live to serve Thee in all that Thou does give us to trust Thee for. We thank Thee in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Love, Dad