Proverbs 29:18 ESV “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.”
I had always been proud of my 20/20 vision. However, when I was younger, I wanted to wear glasses so badly that I would lie down to read in dim light. I thank God that my vision wasn’t affected too much by my foolish behavior. But as I get older, I find myself needing to hold whatever I'm reading further and further away. There's one thing even my 20/20 vision couldn’t escape — presbyopia. And sometimes, I also can’t see things in the distance as clearly as before! As much as I hate to admit it, my eyesight is gradually going downhill.
Although I can’t change the reality of my eyesight, what I do with it is crucial. I need to examine any habits that might harm my eyes and stop them, plan a diet that provides the necessary nutrients for eye health, and adopt practices to maintain my vision. Most likely, I’ll need to get a pair of glasses to help me see better.
God’s vision for His disciples is for us to be transformed into the image of Christ, to love God and others, to fulfill the Great Commission, and to bear fruit that glorifies God. We are called to be a positive and godly influence in the world, united in the body of Christ, serving others in humility, and persevering in our faith journey. This vision is ultimately about living a life that reflects God's love and brings His Kingdom to earth.
In Nehemiah 1, we witness the significance of catching God's vision through prayer and compassion. Upon hearing of Jerusalem's broken walls, Nehemiah doesn't fall into despair; instead, he turns to God in prayer, his heart deeply burdened for the needs of His people. His vision for restoration starts with seeking God's guidance, confessing sin, and asking for divine favor. Catching God's vision requires us to align our hearts with His, stay attentive to His purposes, and be ready to act when He calls us to rebuild what has been broken, just as Nehemiah did for Jerusalem.
Recently, I watched a film called The Forge. Here’s a synopsis from the internet: “A year out of high school with no plans for his future, a boy is challenged by his single mom and a successful businessman to start charting a better course for his life. Through the prayers of his mother and biblical discipleship from his new mentor, he begins discovering that God's purpose for his life is far greater than he could hope for or imagine.” I was reminded once again of the vital importance of intergenerational discipleship and mentorship. I hope to touch on this as we begin the new sermon series, “Journeying with God Together,” over the next two weeks, exploring the book of Nehemiah with a focus on discerning and following God's will in our lives together.
Bonus Track:
📺 “You Are My Vision” by Rend Collective