Vision

    Vision for a spiritual leader is both foresight and insight.  Those who use this gift of vision to see the Kingdom of God in its current and future state are enabled to persevere through the difficulties and setbacks.  Where there is difficulty, a visionary sees opportunity.

    Vision that looks forward must not neglect the present circumstances.  The spiritual leader may be gifted to see and understand where God is leading, but they should never take for granted the duties of the present day which God has granted them.  Spiritual vision is always through the lens of faith in God, not self.

    Vision understands the importance of the present as it leads to the future.  The overarching story of the Old Testament is one of God pursuing His people and God giving them visions of Himself.  The spiritual leaders were able to see and communicate these truths.  Abraham, named “father of many nations,” taught his children the promises of God, entrusting to them the blessing and responsibility of their kinship.  Moses had many visions from God but he didn't claim them as personal achievement.  He dutifully made known the words of the Lord, leading an entire nation out of slavery and toward the promised land.  David, upon learning he was to become the next king, didn't boast in his future.  Instead, he was faithful to the present time and did not take the Lord's plans into his own hands.  All the prophets of the Old Testament had visions of the coming Kingdom of God.  They spoke about an eternal king and the restoration of the God's people – all of their visions were pointing towards Jesus.

    When Jesus steps onto the scene everything changes and the visions become realities – they have a name and a face now.  Jesus says early on in his ministry “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2).  He also says “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).  He tells his disciples they are blessed for seeing what they see.  The spiritual leader's visions always flow from a love and relationship with the Lord Jesus.

    Vision always cares for people, the ones entrusted to the spiritual leader.  As Jesus was nearing his arrest and crucifixion he spoke more and more intimately with his disciples.  He made known to them the path he would walk, reassuring them that they would not be left alone.  Jesus tells his disciples, “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:25-26). 

    Vision leads to venture.  Once the disciples and apostles are empowered by the Holy Spirit, their vision pushed them to become missionaries and fulfill the great commission.  “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

    Spiritual eyes to discern what the Lord has for his people is vision.  Vision always cares for people, maintaining hope and optimism.  The spiritual leader with vision will march forward, confidently following where the Lord leads by the urgings and understanding of the Spirit.