John Maxwell is a prolific writer on issues related to leadership. I heard him once say at a conference: “Leaders see sooner and further than others.” Some might call this ability ‘vision’- the ability to see something before it happens or independently of present reality. Others may consider this as the ability to envision some project, plan, or needed or desirable course of action prior to others seeing it, if they see it at all. A story is told of Walt Disney and his ‘vision’ for Disney World. He apparently expired before Disney World was fully developed and one executive allegedly said to his colleague when the theme park first opened: “I wish Walt could be here to see this” to which his colleague replied: ‘he did see it. That’s why it exists’”. In other words, Walt Disney ‘saw’ or envisioned Disney World in his mind, and that vision became the basis for his long-term goal of its development.
In the New Testament book of Hebrews, we read of Moses: “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible” [Heb 11: 24-27 NIV].
The apostle Paul, in describing his own life says this: “Therefore, we do not lose heart but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory, far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal but the things which are not seen are eternal” [II Corinthians 4: 16-18 NASB].
In his letter to the church at Colosse, Paul also said: “therefore, if [since] you have been raised up with Christ, keeping seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above not on the things that are on earth. For [because] you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” [Colossians 3:1-3].
Jesus said: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…but store up for yourselves treasure in heaven…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” [Matt 6: 19-21]. Sometimes Christ followers have been accused of being ‘so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good.’ It appears to me, as long as we followers of Jesus are fulfilling our earthly responsibilities, then being ‘heavenly minded’ is exactly how the scriptures admonish us to be and live.
The Power of Telescopic Vision
Helen Keller is quoted as saying that ‘the only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.’
A telescopic lens blocks out, blurs, or looks completely beyond what is near in order to focus on what is afar. In the quotation above regarding Moses, he was somehow able to see afar with his mind’s eye Him who is otherwise unseen, i.e., God. This vision of God enabled him to both endure ill treatment [vs 25] and be possessed of courage and a measure of fearlessness [vs 27] in spite of the wrath of the king [Pharoah].
The apostle John, in his vision of Jesus, recorded in Jesus’ letter to the seven churches [book of Revelation] was so stunned by the fear-inducing image of Jesus that he reported that he ‘fell down at Jesus’ feet like a dead man’ [Rev 1:17]. I would think that nearly all of us would not want to keep continually in our mind a terrifying image of Jesus. Fortunately, John records Jesus reaching out his hand to touch John and even telling him to ‘not be afraid.’ Perhaps this passage and others formed the basis for C.S. Lewis writing in his The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe that Aslan [the lion character portraying Jesus] was ‘not safe, but he is good’: “Is he quite safe? Asked Susan. I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.” Safe? Said Mr. Beaver… “Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you”.
Perhaps to ‘see’ with our mind’s eye, the all-powerful, sovereign King Jesus, high and lifted up, is an awe-inspiring and likely terrifying image. But knowing that He is good, very good, and comforts us with ‘do not be afraid’, may enable us who know Him as Savior and King, to embrace a vision of Him as good as well as ‘safe’ at least for those of us who know Him and walk in His ways.
Isaiah’s image or vision of God recorded in chapter six of his prophetic book is also one of a man being overcome by what he saw. He was at first speechless, as would be any of us! What is even more instructive to me, is that Isaiah did not shrink away or attempt to hide himself but instead offered himself in service to the living God, the overwhelming vision of whom he had just experienced. [Isa 6:1-8]. Likewise, the apostle Paul, when appearing at trial before King Agrippa, stated: “so King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision” [of Jesus, who appeared as a brilliant light and spoke to Paul while he was traveling on the road to Damascus to arrest Christians-see Acts 9:1-6].
It seems then that, ‘seeing Him who is unseen’ involves ‘seeing’ in our mind, an image of One who is every bit worthy of our responding with great apprehension, even desiring to withdraw, in fear, of an encounter with such a Being. But the scriptures contain a multitude of statements that present also an image of the Living God as one with a character of tenderness, compassion, and goodness, as well as power and holiness. Indeed, He is and does only that which ultimately is ‘good’, but He is only safe for those who have come under His wings in trusting submission to Him. [ Psalm 91:4]
So, what are we focusing on with our ‘telescopic’ vision of God and the ‘things above’? What exactly is supposed to be in our mind? Just how do we ‘set our mind on things above’? What are we to ‘see’ or dream about or envision?
Just Passin’ Through
It appears clear to me from the scriptures that the early followers of Jesus considered themselves to be pilgrims, strangers, and aliens in this world, just passing through this life on their way to the celestial city: “All these died in faith, without receiving the promises but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth…But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” [Heb 11:13,15]. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,.. for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” [Matt 6:19ff]; For the things which are seen are temporal but the things which are not seen are eternal.” [II Cor 4:18]. Loosening our grip on ‘things temporal’ which can be seen and instead switching our ‘grip’ to things eternal which cannot be seen is one serious component of developing a ‘vision’ of ‘seeing’ God and the things of heaven. Paul refers to the ‘eternal weight of glory’ [II Cor 4:18] and he compares that with the ‘momentary light affliction’ of living in this world, and asserts there is no comparison. So, in ‘seeing’ God, what might we envision? Overwhelming Glory, and lots of it! Carefully studying the words and behavior of Jesus will enable us to develop an image of God in our mind as to His nature, character and will for our lives. The more we understand and grasp the implication of the One [Jesus] who ‘radiates God’s own glory and is the exact representation of God’s nature and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command.’[Heb 1:3 NIV/NASB] the more steadily will develop in our mind, a biblical ‘image’ of God. We will then begin to ‘see’ or ‘envision’ more and more His glorious person, inspiring and even requiring of us a ‘here am I send me’ [Isaiah 6:8].
Surrounded by Your glory, What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You, Jesus, or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees, will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine.” [Bart Millard/Mercy Me 2001]
Are you fixing your ‘mind’s’ eye on the glorious person of Jesus at the finish line awaiting each of us as we run the race of this life? [Heb 12:1-2]
Are you releasing your grip on ‘earthly’ i.e., temporal things?
Are your treasures only in this life or are you seeking to store up spiritual treasures in the next?
“Why do you call me Lord, Lord, but do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46
CJS
This month I will turn 78 yrs of age. When I began this faith journey 58 years ago, I had many misconceptions regarding my Lord and Savior and what it really meant to be his servant. Being in the Potter’s hands for this many years has yielded significant insights. Instead of being content with achieving earthly goals – being debt free, owning my own home, having a stable marriage for 55 years, my one true desire is to hear my Master say: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” All that I have attained during this earthly journey really amounts to nothing unless I have done it in His power and to His glory. I cannot take any of it with me, but I can send it ahead in the form of those who’s lives I have touched with the message of Christ.
The Apostle Paul expresses this desire well in Philippians 3:7-14.
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Beautifully written. Thanks.
Mona Mange
Thank you Mona for your encouragement
The Mercy Me quote sums up our anticipated ,yet to experience joy, as we set our eyes on the sooner than it seems, face-to-face meeting with our Champion of Life! Well written and full of encouragement as we easily trudge through, to stop it! We should soulfully be on nimble feet carrying the Greatest News wherever we trot. Reminds me of a simple yet versatile truth “aim small, miss small”. Thank you for the vision exam, may we all keep our eyes more keenly on the Prize.
Thank you Jason for your comments.