Topical Bible: Visions: The Withholding of a Great Calamity

◄ Visions: The Withholding of a Great Calamity ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, visions serve as a divine communication tool, often revealing God's plans, warnings, or promises to His people. One significant theme within these visions is the withholding of a great calamity, where God, in His mercy, chooses to delay or avert impending disaster. This theme underscores God's sovereignty, justice, and compassion, offering a profound insight into His relationship with humanity.

Biblical Instances

1. Abraham's Intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18:16-33): In this passage, God reveals to Abraham His intention to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grievous sin. Abraham, aware of the impending calamity, intercedes on behalf of the righteous within the cities. Through a series of petitions, Abraham seeks to avert the disaster, and God agrees to spare the cities if even ten righteous people are found. This vision highlights God's willingness to withhold judgment in response to intercession and righteousness.

2. The Vision of the Plumb Line (Amos 7:1-9): The prophet Amos receives a vision of a plumb line, symbolizing God's standard of righteousness. Initially, Amos sees visions of locusts and fire, representing impending judgment on Israel. However, upon Amos's plea, "Lord GOD, please forgive! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?" (Amos 7:2), God relents and withholds the calamity. This vision illustrates God's readiness to relent from sending disaster when His people earnestly seek His mercy.

3. The Vision of the Sealed Scroll (Revelation 7:1-3): In the apocalyptic vision given to John, four angels stand at the four corners of the earth, holding back the winds of destruction. Another angel ascends from the east, instructing them not to harm the earth until the servants of God are sealed on their foreheads. This vision signifies God's protective seal over His people, delaying calamity until His divine purposes are fulfilled.

Theological Implications

The withholding of a great calamity through visions reveals several key theological principles:

· Divine Mercy and Patience: God's willingness to delay judgment demonstrates His mercy and patience, providing opportunities for repentance and redemption. As stated in 2 Peter 3:9 , "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

· Intercessory Power: The biblical accounts emphasize the power of intercession. Righteous individuals, like Abraham and Amos, play a crucial role in appealing to God's mercy, highlighting the importance of prayer and advocacy in the face of impending judgment.

· God's Sovereignty and Justice: While God is merciful, He is also just. The visions of withheld calamity remind believers of the balance between God's justice and mercy. His decisions are rooted in His perfect wisdom and righteousness, ensuring that His ultimate purposes are accomplished.

· Protection of the Faithful: The sealing of God's servants in Revelation underscores His commitment to protect and preserve those who are faithful to Him. This assurance provides comfort and hope to believers, affirming that God is in control even amidst potential disaster.

Conclusion

The theme of withholding a great calamity through visions is a testament to God's character and His dealings with humanity. These visions serve as a reminder of His mercy, the power of intercession, and His sovereign will, encouraging believers to trust in His divine plan and seek His face in times of crisis.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Lamentations 2:9
Her gates are sunk into the ground; he has destroyed and broken her bars: her king and her princes are among the Gentiles: the law is no more; her prophets also find no vision from the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook