The Spirit and Vision

The day of Pentecost occurs the 50th day after the Sabbath of Passover week; thus the first day of the week. The disciples of Jesus were all together in Jerusalem after his ascension following the Lord's instructions not to leave the city and to wait for "the gift promised by the Father." Jesus told them, "In a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:5).

Then “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (languages) as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:2-4).

The disciples spilled out of the house and into the city streets where a crowd witnessed the miracle of Pentecost. Peter stood up with the rest of the disciples and addressed the crowd. He started by quoting the prophet Joel: “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams” (Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17).

Throughout the Scriptures God has revealed himself to people in dreams and visions. Joseph and Daniel are examples of this as were Paul and John. The “dreams and visions” came through the Spirit of God as he revealed himself to them. Whether this occurred while asleep or awake, the important thing to note is that it’s God’s Spirit that was speaking. It’s the Spirit providing the vision or revelation.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” This is a familiar statement found in Proverbs 29:18 (KJV). A modern language translation states it this way: “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint” (NIV).

In a previous presidential election campaign, George H. W. Bush referred to “the vision thing.” Critical to all leaders is the ability to communicate a vision and inspire people. Spiritual leaders receive a vision from God and share it with the people. They then provide the leadership necessary to realize the goal(s). Vision is essential – without vision we flounder on the sea and wander in the desert. With vision we are able to chart a course to lead us through our situations and into a blessed state.

No one ever had a greater vision then Jesus Christ. He instructed his followers to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel to all nations, “And repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his (Jesus) name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem”(Luke 24:47).

God is still speaking today. Are we listening to his voice and responding to his vision? He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches” (Rev. 3:22).