I used to wonder about people who talked about visions. While they never actually said they had them you could easily see the longing in their voice. Over the past years the world “vision” has become a corporate clich?, being easily used as a substitute for the word “plan”. Yet once in awhile there are individuals sharing visions of what could be.
There are three responses to visions and visionaries. An observation is that each response in its own way is legitimate however one wonders how the critics can ever move forward unless it is through faith. Yet the three responses remain.
The first response to visions and visionaries is confusion. “We just don’t understand. We can’t be bothered to go beyond our current situation. It isn’t my fault that I am where I am.”
The second response is the cynics and pessimists. “That vision will never happen. The dream doesn’t make sense. The people involved cannot be trusted. The framework is impossible”.
The third response is one of wonder. “What if this vision could be true?” This response is usually accompanied by generous amounts of dialogue, willingness to explore the unknown, and faith in the greater team and good of others.
John had a vision. “I saw something like a sea made of glass, the glass all shot through with fire. Carrying harps of God, triumphant over the Beast, its image, and the number of its name, the saved ones stood on the sea of glass. They sang the Song of Moses, servant of God; they sang the Song of the Lamb.” (Revelation 15.2)
I know that many read John’s words are confused. I realize that it seems to be an impossible reality given everything that is going on around us. Yet I find myself sitting in awe and wonder. I can only imagine what it would be like to be part of the saved. I could be in the midst of new creations, virgin opportunities, and vistas beyond comprehension. I find this worth every risk. Pain is reality today, heaven can be reality tomorrow.
