THE POWER OF VISION (6)

“And he shall be as the LIGHT of the MORNING, when the SUN rises, even a morning without clouds; as the TENDER GRASS springing out” – 2 Samuel 23:4a

These last words of King David summarize his Life’s Purpose and THE POWER of VISION: “The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the LIGHT of the MORNING, when the SUN rises, even a morning without clouds; as the TENDER GRASS springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain” (2Sam.23: 3-4). Looking back in retrospect, David described in picture-language, the purpose by which David “served his own generation by the will of God” (Acts 13:36). Like “clear shining after rain” David’s destiny blossomed as “the tender grass,” to rule like “the light of the morning, when the sun rises” (v.4).

Though not a stranger to battles and discouragement, David, whose name means “Beloved,” had a vision of how life could count for God’s Glory. He was described as a man after God’s own heart (Act 13:22). He grasped God’s Vision for his life, and his service and worship exemplified deep relationship with God and devotion to carry out his unique God-ordained assignments: as the faithful “son of Jesse,” as a king raised from the miry clay, as God’s anointed servant, and as a worshipper – “the sweet psalmist of Israel” (v.1). He ultimately came to be viewed as Israel’s unsurpassed epitome of kingship, the shining memory of Isarel’s past and the Vision of what Israel’s future could be.

David replaced Saul who lacked God’s vision for ministry, and had to be removed from his exalted post of kingship. Saul viewed his royal position in human terms and tried to serve in self-strength. His conduct so repulsed God that the prophet Samuel, who had anointed him to be king later affirmed that his self-reliance and consequent disobedience had caused him to fall out of God’s favour and had to be replaced (1 Sam.13:14). David, in contrast, reflected the humility, obedience, compassion, and dedication to God that marks a true visionary leader. Reading his psalms, one is struck by his passion to know and serve God, plus the clear sense of the future that God had instilled within him.

Like many visionary leaders, David was human and, as such, sometimes erred. But one of his redeeming qualities was his burning desire to remain true to God’s Vision placed in his heart, which he was equipped to work toward despite his human frailties. Whatever God produces is perfect, including a vision for His people to embrace and pursue. Divine Vision is a Perfect Seed with unlimited potential, planted in limited, imperfect human vessels. God’s Vision for each of us is the most appropriate for us. It outshines the best of our personal plans. Ultimately, David’s life testified to God’s Faithfulness to fulfilling the Vision for His Glory, despite his human weaknesses.