For the children of Israel, the condition of the nation was determined by the vision from the Lord to the prophets. Therefore, it was tragic for them when the “prophets (who should be representatives of God, found) no vision from the Lord.” The “vain and foolish things” they saw resulted in “burdens and causes of banishment.”
To bear fruits in our lives and ministries, when the Lord gives us a vision, we should “write (or record it), and make it plain upon tables (or rather, print it. The vision should be made clear, simple and understandable)that he may run that readeth it.”
A single vision from God is worth more than a thousand ideas and pursuits of the blind. Abraham received a reassuring vision that he would be fruitful; “And he believed in the Lord.” Moses had vision of a burning bush and a whole nation was delivered. Joshua saw the vision of a heavenly captain and a weak people became a conquering nation. Daniel saw vision of the Ancient of days; he passed through and survived the lions’ den and preserved a nation for a glorious future. The vision Peter saw opened the door of the gospel to the Gentile world. Apostle Paul saw a vision that brought the Roman Empire out of darkness into the gospel light, while John the beloved received a vision that birthed the book of Revelation, now preserved for the Church.
As we see and believe in Christ’s vision, we will experience fruitfulness when we sow the seed of the word in people. As they are converted, they will, in turn, bring many others into the kingdom. If we have no vision, whatever we do for ourselves and the Lord will lack result and multiplication of fruits. Without a vision from God, souls will be lost, lives wasted, talents and skills misused, opportunities pass by and gifts become worthless.
When God gives a vision of fruitfulness, we should internalise it by keeping “the matter in (the) heart” even if it is so great we do not think it is achievable. Apostle Paul held onto “the heavenly vision” all through his life.
In spite of the ups and downs that attended his ministry, he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. Thirtyfold fruitfulness does not mean thirty percent success. For instance, when something is said to be twofold, it means it is double. Furthermore, a thing is fourfold when it is multiplied by four. Similarly, thirtyfold fruitfulness means fruits multiplied thirty times over. It is part of the law of sowing and reaping, labouring and bearing fruit. This is exemplified by the results of evangelism by the Samaritan woman that Jesus met at the well, and the demoniac after his deliverance by Jesus.
Seven Things To Do With The Vision We Received
• One,internalise the vision (Acts 10:19,20). As we see, hear and understand the vision, we must ensure that it gets into our hearts.
• Two, investigate the vision (Exodus 3:2-10). We must probe how it applies to us, what we must do and how it would turn our lives and ministries around.
• Three, interpret the vision (Job 33:14,15,23; Isaiah 29:11,12,17). Without interpretation, we will not know what to do about the vision. We will not benefit much from it.
• Four, inform others about the vision (Habakkuk 2:1-4,14). As we share the vision, we should instruct and inspire others to run with it.
• Five, intercede concerning the vision (Acts 16:9-13). The vision might be beyond human strength; therefore, we must pray so that it will be fulfilled.
• Six, initiate action on the basis of the vision (Acts 16:10,13-15). We must strategise and act appropriately as a result of the vision.
• Seven, inculcate the vision in others (Acts 10:3-8,24,33,44). We should not be the only ones to enjoy the privileges of the vision. Like Cornelius, we should inculcate it into the hearts and minds of other people.
• Further reading (King James Version): Proverbs 29:18; Lamentations 2:9,14; Habakkuk 2:2-4; Genesis 15:1-6; Mark 4:20. Daniel 7:1,28; Acts 26:16-19; Mark 4:14,20.
