Illumine; what is low, raise and support."-MILTON. "Where there is no vision, the people perish."—Prov. xxix. 18. "I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.”—Acts xxvi. 19. "Lord of all that's fair to see, Come, reveal Thyself to me! Let me, mid Thy radiant light, View Thine unveiled glories bright." "We would see Jesus."-John xii. 21. "Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord." "Those things which are revealed belong unto us, and to our children for ever; God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit." Deut. xxix. 29; 1 Cor. ii. 10. "The distant landscape draws not nigh For all our gazing; but the soul That upward looks may still descry Nearer each day the brightening goal."-KEBLE. THE VALLEY OF VISION; OR, The Valley of Revelation and Responsibility. "The burden of the valley of vision," or, "respecting the valley of vision."-Isa. xxii. I. HE valley of vision signifies Jerusalem. (Ps. cxxv. 2.) It is supposed the name "vision" was given because of the many and clear visions and revelations given there, above all other places; a place much favoured with the revealed truth and will of God. Wonderful privileges and opportunities given there. The prophet, in vision, sees the judgment of Jerusalem. It was to be brought low down. Though so exalted, it should become as dark as a valley. "He beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, If L thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes." (Luke xix. 41, 42.) This valley suggests to us that wherever gospel light and spiritual privileges are found, wherever God gives special opportunities, that place is a valley of vision. The more blessed we are with mercies and gifts, both temporal and spiritual, the greater our responsibility, and the greater the doom if talents are wasted and opportunities abused. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." (Ps. cxix. 18.) How thankful we should be for spiritual vision! how thankful, if our eyes have been opened to see Jesus Himself! Balaam, who had his eyes shut, but now opened," which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty." (Numb. xxiv. 3, 4) As Isaiah's heavenly vision: "Mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." (Isa. vi. 5.). As Job: "Now mine eye seeth thee." (Job xlii. 5.) How grateful we should be if in a place of spiritual privilege! Let us value it; but let us remember that God links resposibility with privilege. "I would not see but in Thy light; THE VALLEY OF VISION. 163 Some think that this is called the valley of vision because the temple was built on mount Moriah, which is the mountain of vision. "Jehovahjireh, The Lord will see or provide." (Gen. xxii. 14.) If this be so, let us ask, Is this our place of vision? Have we all been to this spot? Have our eyes seen this vision? Is this our stand-point for life? Do we look at everything in the light of Calvary? Do we tell others of the place of vision? We may learn in this valley that privilege and responsibility go together. We may see God's love in the wonderful provision made for us; His justice in that He is a kind Master, but strict to take account of each talent and opportunity. Let us be faithful servants and stewards "till HE come." 66 Thou art coming! we are waiting But the vision shall be sure; "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His temple." (Ps. xxvii. 4.) |