Envision More

Read: Luke 2:22-35

I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel! Luke 2:30-32

IN WORD

Simeon had been eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come. God had even given him a promise that he would see the Messiah before he died. In an age alleged to have no prophets, the Spirit had given to him a very prophetic sign. And when the time came, the Spirit moved him to go to the Temple. We don’t know how he recognized Jesus as the one, but clearly the Spirit was guiding him. And when he saw Jesus, he uttered a prophecy and a testimony that caused even Jesus’ parents to marvel.

Yes, this infant was not only the heir to David’s throne, not only the glory of God’s people Israel, as Mary had been told. He was also a light for all nations—even the goyim within and beyond Israel’s borders. In an age of Roman occupation, this was a remarkable thought. But psalmists had hinted at it, and Isaiah had prophesied it directly. Even the Temple in ancient Israel had drawn Gentile nations to God’s presence, and a reluctant prophet named Jonah had shown His mercy to a foreign nation in darkness. Surely this child’s mission would extend further than the realm of Israel’s people. God must have a bigger agenda than expected.

He does. He always does. Whatever we envision of His work and how He might carry it out, the end result is probably bigger than we thought. He begins with small things, but He doesn’t ever end with them. His vision is greater than we can comprehend.

IN DEED

Learn to cultivate greater vision. Wherever your vision is now, it’s certainly smaller than what God wants to do through you. His plans may not be flashy or impressive to the world or even the church, but they will have far greater influence than you expected. His mission is comprehensive, and you are part of it. Learn to envision big.

ADDITIONAL READING: Isaiah 49:5-6

Only he who can see the invisible can do the impossible.

FRANK GAINES