The Unfolding of God's Vision Through the Ages
God has spoken vision and purpose over His people since ancient times. The prophet Habakkuk heard God's voice instructing him, "Write the vision and make it plain, so that the one reading it may run with it. For the vision awaits the appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it delays, wait for it, for it will surely come." Though God's timing stayed a mystery, Habakkuk obeyed and penned the vision, waiting faithfully for God's plan to unfold.
Centuries later, through the prophet Jeremiah, God again shared vision by declaring, "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to give you hope and a future." In hardship, this vision from the Lord instilled comfort, promise and direction. People grasped Jeremiah's words as a lifeline of hope for deliverance.
The Lord also opened the gates of spiritual vision to diverse groups of people. During the period of Joel, God poured out His spirit so that young and old alike would see dreams and visions. The Lord unlocked revelation for all who were ready to receive it. A renewed wave of vision swept through the land.
Yet even with God graciously providing vision, the wise teacher in Proverbs cautions that without vision, the people perish. Humanity depends on God's vision to light the way forward. The surest path is found by committing our work to the Lord, so our plans align with His purposes.
The pinnacle of divine vision appeared when Jesus came with the great commission to make disciples of all nations. The Son of God called His followers to spread the gospel worldwide, providing a compelling global vision. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the early church rose to embrace this vision fully. As the apostle Paul later reflected, "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision." He allowed God's vision to guide his every step as missionary to the Gentiles.
Across continents and centuries, God's vision has been written, delivered, received, and fulfilled. From whispering prophets to thundering apostles, God ensured that His vision took root and bore fruit through His people. As beneficiaries of this rich legacy of vision, our lives today are called to be part of God's ongoing plan to redeem humanity. May we each hear, embrace, and live out the Holy Spirit's vision.
Reference
Habakkuk 2:2-3 - "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets...For still the vision awaits its appointed time."
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Joel 2:28 - "Your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions."
Proverbs 29:18 - "Where there is no vision, the people perish."
Proverbs 16:3 - "Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established."
Matthew 28:19 - Jesus' great commission to "go and make disciples" provides vision for disciples to spread the gospel worldwide.
Acts 26:19 - "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision."