Topical Encyclopedia
VisionIn the biblical context, "vision" often refers to divine revelations or insights given by God to individuals, typically through dreams, prophetic messages, or supernatural appearances. These visions serve as a means for God to communicate His will, guidance, and future plans to His people. The Bible is replete with instances where God imparts visions to His prophets and servants, providing direction and encouragement.
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 several visions concerning the future of Israel and the coming of God's kingdom. In
Daniel 7:13-14 , he describes a vision of the "Son of Man" coming with the clouds of heaven, a prophecy that Christians interpret as a reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ: "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."
The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of vision, particularly in the context of the early church. In
Acts 2:17 , Peter, quoting the prophet Joel, speaks of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the resulting visions: "‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.’" This passage highlights the role of vision in the life of the church, as a means for God to reveal His purposes and empower His people.
LegacyThe concept of legacy in the Bible is closely tied to the idea of inheritance, both physical and spiritual. A legacy is what one leaves behind for future generations, encompassing material possessions, spiritual teachings, and moral values. The Bible places significant emphasis on the importance of leaving a godly legacy, one that reflects faithfulness to God's commandments and principles.
In the Old Testament, the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are seen as foundational figures whose faith and obedience established a legacy for the nation of Israel. God's covenant with Abraham, as recorded in
Genesis 17:7 , underscores the enduring nature of this legacy: "I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you."
The New Testament continues this theme, with a focus on the spiritual legacy left by Jesus Christ and His apostles. In
2 Timothy 2:2 , Paul instructs Timothy to pass on the teachings he has received: "And the things you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." This verse illustrates the importance of discipleship and the transmission of faith from one generation to the next.
Proverbs 13:22 also speaks to the value of a righteous legacy: "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous." This proverb highlights the enduring impact of a life lived in accordance with God's wisdom and righteousness, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of worldly wealth.
In summary, vision and legacy are intertwined themes in the Bible, reflecting God's desire to guide His people through divine revelation and to establish a lasting heritage of faith and obedience. Through visions, God communicates His plans and purposes, while a godly legacy ensures that His truth and righteousness endure through successive generations.