Nov. 11 Visions as Revelations

November 11 - Visions as Revelations

The Bible describes many different ways that God reveals Himself to us. Some are deeply profound, sometimes He shows up in quiet ways, sometimes He allows someone else to deliver the message. Have you ever had a vision or known someone who did?

The first time God shows up in a vision, it's with Abram in Genesis 15. He is about to share His side of the Covenant with Abraham. I can't imagine what Abram was thinking when God showed up, but God's first words to him were "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." God tells Abram that though he might be fearful, the one thing (or person) that Abram fears is his shield, his protection and will be his reward. This is a pretty amazing way to start a relationship that will last through eternity.

God shows up in a vision to Jacob (Israel) in Genesis 46, telling him to go to Egypt, where Joseph was and that He would make Israel into a great nation there.

Do you know about Ezekiel's vision of the dry bones coming to life? God had plenty to say to Ezekiel in that passage (Ezekiel 37).

In Acts 9:10, Ananias is visited by the Lord and told to go out and meet Saul on the road to Damascus. Then, in Acts 10:3, the Lord visits Cornelius (a Gentile) and tells him to send for Simon Peter. This is immediately followed up by a vision that Peter receives which forces him to accept that Gentiles are not unclean. He is able to meet with Cornelius and baptizing Gentiles with the Holy Spirit.

Paul has a vision in Acts 16:9 telling him to go to Macedonia, in Acts 18:9 which tells him to not be fearful but to keep on speaking while he is in Corinth. In Acts 22:18, the Lord comes to Paul in a vision and tells him to leave Jerusalem quickly because the people aren't accepting his testimony and in Acts 23:11, another vision tells him that he will testify to the Lord in Rome.

As I was studying this, I was struck by how God uses these visions. Every time God shows up in a vision, it is to move someone down the road to the next thing in their life. They are being asked to do something they would never have considered doing. Imagine how Cornelius felt when God showed up in a vision! He wasn't a Jew, he didn't have experience with all of the history of God in his life. And Ananias! Out of the blue, God tells him to go out to the road and meet the one man who has been persecuting Christians.

My first take on all of this is that I hope I never receive a vision from the Lord because I know that He will be asking me to do something I'm not comfortable with and go somewhere that I am unfamiliar with. But, in every case, God assures the person that He (God) is in control. He will walk with them. He just needs us to be willing.