Fresh Vision?

Because God looks at the heart as well as appearances, it is good for us to consider not only words we say but what they imply.  It is common in Christians circles for biblical phrases to become hackneyed, far removed from their original context, or be plain misleading.  As much as we like to think we are circumspect thinkers, the most wise among us can be reduced to parroting what we have heard or follow along with respected Christian leaders without much critical thought.  It is wise to exercise caution when we encounter terms or phrases we do not first observe in scripture.

Case in point:  today I saw a post of a Christian ministry that explained people from all over the country gathered to pray over a "fresh vision."  Frankly I am not exactly sure what is meant by this phrase, but I can say what it clearly implies.  What it implies is the original or previous "vision" for ministry has become a bit old or outdated.  Perhaps expectations have not been met or attempts to follow the existing "vision" have not been as profitable as hoped.  It suggests the old vision is boring--not timeless and without flaw like the good old path of Gospel truth.  What is most concerning about praying over "fresh vision" is the lack of the mention of seeking God who gives sight to the blind.  This longing for fresh vision may be a result of people's personal spiritual walks growing stale and result in a departure from the original purpose of a ministry's existence.

At the moment at Calvary Chapel Sydney we are studying through the book of Revelation, and that is an ancient vision that remains as fresh and relevant as it was the day it was penned by John the apostle.  Come to think of it, every single biblical vision remains fresh because Jesus has the power to make all things new.  It isn't a fresh vision that is needed to know what to do moving forward but to have the almighty God who is high and lifted up in our sights, being filled with the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth.  It is true what Proverbs 29:18 says in the KJV, yet we cannot omit or forget the second part:  "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."  Since Jesus has fulfilled the Law of Moses, we are to fix our eyes on Jesus and love God and one another as He loves us--for he who loves one another has fulfilled the Law.

When Jesus is our vision like the lyrics of the classic Irish hymn says, we can be confident He will always lead us in the good, righteous way.  We need Him more than vision itself.  The blind prophet Ahijah is a prime example of the insight God gives those who fear and obey Him in 1 Kings 14.  It is we who grow weary in doing good; it is we who are reluctant like the children of Israel to walk in the good old paths by faith in God.  God is faithful to quicken and renew our souls when we seek Him:  "Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart, naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.  Thou my best thought, by day or by night, waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.  Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word, I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord:  thou my great Father, and I Thy true son, thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one." (Audrey Assad version)