Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he.
*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 2377
Vision: divine communication in a vision, oracle, prophecy; a mental sight, a dream, revelation
From the Hebrew word 'chazon' (pronounced khaw-zone').
FALSE VISIONS
An architect can have a vision and build a beautiful structure. But unless it glorifies God it is built for nothing. A painter can have a vision and paint beautiful works of art. But unless these works glorify God, they are merely ornamental and have no value.
Rulers and governmental leaders can have visions of how they want to rule, but unless their vision came from God and they received a special anointing to rule thus and so, their visions will fail and they will be destroyed. For their visions, their dreams, came from their own hearts. But their hearts were false and deceitful. A kingdom, a nation, built on self-glorification will always fall.
DIVINE VISIONS
The visions from God not only come to pass, they stand as a testimony to God's power, God's glory, God's name. What God says will happen, will always happen, regardless of how long it takes time-wise for the vision to be accomplished.
Habakkuk 2:2, 3
2. Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.
3. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.
VISIONARIES
Where The Vision of The Lord is, The Voice of The Lord is Heard.
Daniel had many visions, but there was a special vision God gave him. Not only could he interpret dreams, but God gave him a vision of the end times, the last days before Christ's third return, the days of wrath; and Daniel knew those days would be fearful days in which to live. Daniel 7, 10-12.
The Book of Isaiah begins with a prophecy (Isaiah 1:1). Beginning in chapter two we read that Isaiah tells us of the last days: "In that day...". But then in Isaiah 6:
Isaiah had a vision: he saw The LORD high and lifted up. In his vision he saw God in all his glory with seraphim worshiping Him; he knew he was unclean and unworthy. But God called him in this vision to serve Him and made Isaiah clean and worthy.
Ezekiel 1 begins with a vision. Daniel's visions don't begin until after he was imprisoned with the lions for treason. Obadiah begins with a vision. Nahum begins with a vision. Habakkuk had a burden, an oracle.
Where The Word of the Lord is heard, there the prophecy is begun to be revealed. "And the Word of the Lord came to...." : Jeremiah 1:2; Ezekiel 1:3; Hosea 1:2; Joel 1:1; Jonah 1:1; Micah 1:1; Zephaniah 1:1; Haggai 1:1; Zechariah 1:1; Malachi 1:1.
With Amos and Obadiah, it was "Thus sayeth the Lord". Yet, it was still a vision for the seeing and an oracle for the hearing of The Word of The Lord.
HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD
Visions are given to warn people to change their ways and return to The Lord God; to warn people of the hardships coming their way, to be prepared to suffer God's wrath if they refuse to obey His Word. Visions are given to and The Word of The Lord is spoken by His messengers. In the Old Testament books, these messengers were prophets and priests who loved The Lord their God and who earnestly sought Him. To them God sent His Word, and gave them spiritual sight to see what He wanted to show them.
Where are the prophets today? To whom does The Word of The Lord speak? Not just anyone and definitely not everyone. The Lord says His people should humble themselves and call upon His Name. The Word of The Lord is still being spoken but now, as then, many who call themselves God's people are not listening to The Word of The Lord. Many are not turning from their wicked ways. Many are foolish and have turned a deaf ear and a blind eye to The Word of The Lord.
Hear now The Word of The Lord and repent. For the days are short. The hour is coming when The King will return for His church, His people, His bride. Repent and be baptized in the Name of The Lord. Turn from your wicked ways, turn from doing things your way and do things God's way. Seek His face and you will find Him, for The Lord Is Near to the broken hearted.
For His Way is Holy and He desires a holy people. Ask for His Holy Spirit to fill you with divine power: power to live a holy life, a life that honors God, the God above all other gods; The Righteous God, The Just and The Holy God. The God who loves you and desires your love in return.
See what great things The God of heaven has done for us. Breathe His air. Touch the hem of His garment and be healed. Drink The Living Water He has drawn for you from the Fountain of Life. Taste His Manna, His Bread, which was broken for you. Repent and receive and be restored the relationship which God desires to have with you. Now, before it's too late. And all of your chances to change and be changed have vanished.
Jesus, Be The Centre - Vineyard
I Can't Get Away - Melissa Helser
The Worth of Knowing You - Austin Bratton
Help Me To See You - CityBridge Worship
