Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, visions are often depicted as divine communications that reveal God's will, guidance, or future events. However, there are instances where these visions are withheld for extended periods, serving a greater purpose in God's sovereign plan. This withholding can be seen as a test of faith, patience, and obedience for the individuals involved.Old Testament Examples One of the most notable examples of visions being withheld is found in the life of the prophet Daniel. Daniel received visions that were not immediately understood or fulfilled. In Daniel 8:26, the angel Gabriel tells Daniel, "The vision of the evenings and the mornings that has been spoken is true. Now you must seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future." This indicates that the vision was meant for a time far beyond Daniel's own life, requiring patience and trust in God's timing. Similarly, the prophet Habakkuk experienced a delay in the fulfillment of his vision. In Habakkuk 2:3, it is written, "For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and will not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay." This passage emphasizes the certainty of God's promises, even when their fulfillment seems delayed. New Testament Insights In the New Testament, the Apostle John received the Revelation on the island of Patmos, a vision concerning the end times. While John was given the vision, its complete fulfillment remains in the future, illustrating the concept of visions being withheld until God's appointed time. Revelation 1:1 states, "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John." Theological Implications The withholding of visions for a long season can serve several purposes in the divine economy. It can act as a means of refining the faith of God's people, teaching them to rely not on immediate understanding but on trust in God's ultimate wisdom and timing. This delay can also serve to prepare the hearts and minds of those who will receive the vision's fulfillment, ensuring they are ready to act according to God's will when the time comes. Furthermore, the delay in the fulfillment of visions underscores the transcendence of God, who operates outside the constraints of human time. As 2 Peter 3:8 reminds believers, "With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." This perspective encourages believers to maintain hope and perseverance, knowing that God's promises are sure, even if their realization is not immediate. Practical Application For contemporary believers, the concept of visions being withheld for a long season can be a source of encouragement and instruction. It teaches the value of patience and steadfastness in faith, urging believers to remain faithful in prayer and service, even when immediate answers or revelations are not forthcoming. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's life with God's purposes, trusting that His timing is perfect and His plans are for the ultimate good of His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 3:1And the child Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount Another Wonderful Record of 25. Appendix. Homilies on the Gospel of John. The Sixth vision "On Earth" A Traveler's Note-Book Memoir of John Bunyan Resources How should Christians view the idea of Muslims having dreams/visions about Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the meanings of the various visions in the book of Zechariah? | GotQuestions.org Why is the lack of visions and divinations considered a punishment (Micah 3:6)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Visions: False Prophets Pretended to Have Seen Visions: Frequently Difficult and Perplexing to Those Who Received Visions: God Especially Made Himself Known to Prophets By Visions: God often Made Known his Will By Visions: Often Accompanied: A Representative of the Divine Person and Glory Visions: Often Accompanied: An Appearance of Angels Visions: Often Accompanied: An Appearance of Human Beings Visions: Often Accompanied: An Audible Voice from Heaven Visions: Often Communicated in a Trance Visions: Often Communicated in the Night Season Visions: Often Multiplied for the Benefit of the People Visions: Often Recorded for the Benefit of the People Visions: Sometimes Withheld for a Long Season Visions: The Prophets of God Skilled in Interpreting Visions: The Withholding of a Great Calamity Visions: To Daniel (See Chapters 7, 8, and 10 of Daniel) Visions: To Ezekiel (See Chapters 10, 40-48 of Ezekiel) Visions: To John (See Also Rev Chapters 4 - 22) Related Terms |
    |