Why Vision Matters: Forecasting and Faith

Vision is the lens through which we interpret our lives and navigate the tumultuous waters of existence. It enables us to forecast potential outcomes and pursue our goals with a sense of purpose. In the spiritual realm, vision becomes synonymous with faith—a belief in what is yet to be realized. 

Today's exploration of vision draws inspiration from the powerful narrative in 2 Kings 13:14-19 and the wisdom found in Proverbs 29:18. We'll delve into the life of Elisha, a prophet whose actions embodied the essence of spiritual insight and determination, urging us to not stop short of our potential. It is a reminder that we need to pass onto our children and grandkids! 

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The Value of Vision: Understanding Elisha's Last Acts

Elisha, known for his prophetic abilities, faced the twilight of his life in a world steeped in idolatry and moral decay. 2 Kings 13:14 recounts how King Jehoash of Israel sought Elisha's counsel during his final illness. The prophet's words held not just personal guidance for the king but a divine promise to the nation.

In 2 Kings 13:15-16, Elisha instructed Jehoash to take a bow and shoot an arrow out of an east window. This act symbolized God’s deliverance over the Arameans, emblematic of the battle awaiting the king. However, the subsequent instructions to strike the ground with arrows bore witness to Jehoash's lack of faith. The king struck the ground only three times, leading to Elisha’s disappointment: "You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it" (2 Kings 13:19).

The Lesson of Effort and Faithfulness

What can we learn from Joash’s misstep? Vision requires commitment and action, but it also demands belief in God's power for transformation. As Chuck Swindoll remarked, our culture often embraces a complacent mentality that discourages perseverance. If we cease striving, we risk stopping short of our spiritual potential.

A profound realization is that genuine growth necessitates a “holy dissatisfaction”—a recognition that our current state is not the end. Kofi Annan emphasized this idea, advocating for a desire to improve for God’s glory. The path of faith is not merely a passive journey but an active pursuit.

The Challenges of Leadership and Direction

With age and experience come wisdom, but they also bring the recognition of our limitations. In a humorous anecdote, a 72-year-old man discovered that wisdom can often lead to unconventional choices. Encountering a frog, instead of kissing it for a chance at love, he preferred the company of a talking frog. This illustrates how our choices reflect our understanding and values.

Joash's decisions during his reign provide a snapshot of human complexity—anyone can struggle with spiritual vision and commitment. His awareness of God was merely nominal—sufficient to drive him to Elisha but not deep enough to inspire sustained faith and commitment.

We need to recognizing God’s Vision for ourselves and our world! 

Total Belief in God’s Way

Belief is the foundation upon which vision stands. In 2 Kings 13:15, when Elisha told Joash to get his bow and arrows, each action represented a step in affirming God's plan. Similarly, our faith must intersect with our actions if we aim for impactful outcomes.

Consider President John F. Kennedy's goal of landing a man on the moon, articulated in 1961: "I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon." Such a statement was visionary, igniting aspirations that transformed technology and human achievement. Had he set goals only based on the current capabilities of his time, the moon landing would have remained a distant fantasy.

The challenge is clear: if we measure our objectives according to what we think is achievable, we restrict ourselves from experiencing God's limitless possibilities.

Fully Submitting to God

In 2 Kings 13:14, Joash demonstrated his humanity by mourning Elisha’s impending death. Yet, his grief did not translate into complete submission to God’s authority. He sought control and, in his limited vision, achieved only temporary victories against the Arameans. 

To illustrate this idea, we look to Johnny Weissmuller, a legendary swimmer and actor. He was spotted cast for a bigger role in Hollywood.  He eventually became the earliest depiction of Tarzan the Ape Man. While Weissmuller’s records were eventually surpassed by athletes decades younger, this highlights our potential and the need to continually evolve. Just like achieving greatness in sports requires consistent effort, spiritual growth demands total submission to God's purposes.

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Listening to God's Detailed Instructions

Understanding God’s vision requires careful listening and adherence to His directives. In 2 Kings 13:18-19, despite receiving the prophet’s insights, Joash faltered by ceasing to strike the ground. 

When God lays out a plan, it is essential to follow it diligently. This is akin to a game of "Simon Says"; failure to follow the commands can lead to incomplete victories. By striking only three times, Joash presumed he knew how to achieve success without fully engaging in the process.

The Narratives of Possession

Ultimately, 2 Kings 13:20-21 depicts the lingering impact of Elisha’s life even in death. His bones revived a man, underscoring a profound truth: the legacy of faith and the potential it holds can transcend our earthly existence.

We are reminded that God sees our potential beyond our limits. As we allow His Spirit to control and guide us, we become vessels of His transformative power.

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The Call to Press On

In Philippians 3:12-14, the apostle Paul encourages believers to press toward the goal laid before them, shedding the past to embrace what lies ahead. A focus on future aspirations ignites hope and purpose, motivating us to pursue the fullness of what God has designed for our lives.

The story of Ignace Jan Paderewski, who supported a young boy playing “Chopsticks,” before he was to perform on a large stage in front of many fans in the Theatre. The little boy busily rushed to the stage to the surprise of his parents and the large audience. He started to play “Chopsticks.” The famous piano player was amused and came up behind the boy at the piano and carefully put his professional hands on the keyboard whispering into the boys ear, “Keep playing, keep playing!” This reveals how mentorship and encouragement can cultivate potential. In the same way, God whispers to us amidst our struggles, urging us not to stop pursuing His vision for our lives.

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Conclusion: Embracing God's Vision

As we reflect on these principles, we are reminded that vision is not merely a hopeful outlook; it is an active engagement with faith, belief, and God’s leading. Elisha’s legacy teaches us to totally believe in God’s way, fully submit ourselves, carefully heed His voice, and fully possess Him so that we may realize our potential.

May we commit ourselves to seeking God’s vision, recognizing that He sees possibilities where we see limitations. In this pursuit, we unlock the divine potential within us—ending not just battles but transforming lives and communities for God’s glory.

As the hymn reminds us, let us continue to move forward in faith and in expectation of what God can do through us, refusing to stop short of His magnificent plan.

Closing Benediction:

"Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your vision. Thank You for granting us insight into where You are working and for endowing us with the wisdom to do good. May we embrace Your heart and align our actions with Your plan. Help us respond to Your leadership with love for others. Grant us Your wisdom, for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen."