Vision

In the biblical context, "vision" often refers to divine revelation or insight given by God to individuals, enabling them to understand His will and purpose. Visions are a means by which God communicates with His people, providing guidance, warning, or encouragement. The Bible is replete with instances where God imparts visions to His prophets and servants, serving as a critical component of His interaction with humanity.

One of the most notable examples of vision in the Bible is found in the book of Daniel. Daniel, a prophet during the Babylonian exile, received visions that revealed future events and the unfolding of God's plan for His people. In Daniel 7:13-14 , Daniel describes a vision of the "Son of Man" coming with the clouds of heaven, a prophetic revelation of the Messiah's eternal dominion: "In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."

The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of vision, particularly in the context of the early church. In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision that challenges his understanding of Jewish dietary laws and opens the door for the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith. Acts 10:11-13 recounts this pivotal moment: "He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, as well as birds of the air. Then a voice said to him, 'Get up, Peter, kill and eat.'"

Visions in the Bible are not limited to prophetic revelations but also include personal guidance and encouragement. In Acts 16:9-10 , Paul receives a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help, which directs his missionary journey: "During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.' As soon as Paul had seen the vision, we got ready to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them."

Preparation

Preparation in the biblical sense involves the readiness and equipping of individuals or communities to fulfill God's purposes. It encompasses spiritual, mental, and physical readiness to respond to God's call and to face the challenges that lie ahead.

The concept of preparation is evident in the life of John the Baptist, who was sent to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah. In Luke 1:17 , the angel Gabriel describes John's mission: "And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of preparation in His teachings. In the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), Jesus illustrates the necessity of being prepared for His return. The wise virgins, who brought extra oil for their lamps, were ready when the bridegroom arrived, while the foolish ones were not. This parable underscores the need for spiritual vigilance and readiness: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" (Matthew 25:13).

The apostle Paul also speaks to the theme of preparation in his letters. In Ephesians 6:13-17 , he exhorts believers to put on the full armor of God, a metaphor for spiritual preparation, to stand firm against the schemes of the devil: "Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace."

Preparation is not only about readiness for spiritual battles but also involves practical aspects of life. Proverbs 6:6-8 uses the example of the ant to teach the value of diligent preparation: "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food at harvest."

In summary, vision and preparation are intertwined themes in the Bible, reflecting God's desire to reveal His plans to His people and to equip them for the tasks He sets before them. Through visions, God imparts divine insight, while preparation ensures that His people are ready to act in accordance with His will.