Write the Vision

Write the Vision!

Engrave it so plainly upon tablets that every one who passes may be able to read it easily and quickly as he hastens by.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end (fulfilment); it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait earnestly for it; because it will surely come, it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.

Habakkuk 2.2 

Vision speaks about a 'seeing.' First-century missionary, Paul wrote to the Ephesians about perceiving unseen realities with "the eyes of your heart." As a writer and a missiologian, vision is a useful term for me, expressing a union between spirit and word and an inner seeing that goes beyond the immediate critical faculties with which the rationalistic, western world-view typically insists upon defining everything.

The glory of the new covenant is that every believer is able to receive the Spirit of Truth to lead them into all truth. Scripture, particularly within the wisdom literature of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, places a great emphasis upon the gaining of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. It also speaks about revelation as one of the most profound ways that people come to understand the message of God.

In my prayers, I keep asking the God of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, the glorious Father, to give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you will have full knowledge of him. I pray that he will give light to the eyes of your hearts, so that you will understand the hope to which he has called you, what rich glories there are in the inheritance he has promised his people and how surpassingly great is his power working in us who trust him.

This is how Paul envisions the Spirit leading the Ephesians into wisdom and revelation and this, for me, provides a profound description of a process that I encountered, in particular, as a member of an intercessory prayer group that met regularly for about ten years during the nineties. Looking back upon it, I recognise it as a key season in my life when I "touched God"... and he "touched me back." It was an utterly defining and transforming experience. 

This is not something that can readily be described solely in rational terms, because it is a relational reality. Academic studies, and theological studies in particular, provide opportunity for refinement and intensification of vision and knowledge and understanding, by bringing ones own convictions into the light of others. However, for me, academic studies alone cannot define vision, nor completely lead the way. Throughout the history of the People of God, it is the "Breath of God" that has led the way, calling a chosen community to enter into covenant with God and to become his covenant, servant community.

Thus, the research and education set forth here represents more than the fruit of academic study—though, where appropriate, these standards are upheld. Rather, it represents the fruit of a life lived "before the face of God," in the light of a personal encounter with the Spirit of Jesus Christ. The goal is "to make plain" the "vision" that has been imparted to my in this way, so that it may be read "easily and quickly" by whomever passes by.

— John