How many of us that wear glasses that if we were to be without them we would be unable to see effectively the world around us?  We take being able to see clearly for granted sometimes.  Our vision in life can be the same.  We have to be very intentional about our vision.

We see Paul discussing God’s glory.  And Paul begins talking about God’s glory that is visible, but also made permanent.  In the past, Moses would commune with God. Because of that, the glory of God would shine so bright that Moses’ face would shine.  But as that glory on Moses’ face would fade, he would hide behind a veil.  So the old covenant is still veiled because they missed God’s offering in Jesus.  So when we allow God to remove the veil by our faith in Jesus, He will remove our veil and the glory of God will shine through us.  Dullness is a condition when our soul is still veiled.

We see dullness in the lives of so many.  Those who can read passages like and say, “I just don’t get it.”  But Paul reminds us that our minds will stay dull, or veiled, until we submit to God.  It is then that the glory of God removes the dullness and our minds become clear of God’s vision.  And this vision gives us freedom.

Paul is saying that once the veil is removed, we are then to look at Jesus.  That is where the glory of God is revealed.  And we will then know where we are going.  But it is when we stop looking at Jesus, not giving attention, not being alert, that we veer from God’s path.

There are characteristics of a Godly Vision in our lives.  These are not just corporate characteristics, but can be personal.

First, God’s vision is compelling.  It moves us because we cannot go with God and stay where we are.  This is a dynamic relationship that cannot be neglected.  And when we start to neglect God’s direction, we find life out of order.  A Godly vision says that we have taken the direction of God and we move forward.

Secondly, vision determines ministries and outcomes.  No two churches or individuals have the exact same vision.  Similarities will exist (such as making disciples) but each will have unique goal.  God is using you in your sphere of influence.  Being aware of the people around you and how God wants you to shine to them.  Not to hide behind a veil, or take the “easy” path of least resistance, but keeping your eyes on Jesus and moving in a way that reflects that relationship.

So what’s our vision?

Disciples making Disciples
Living in the Great Command
Equipped for the Great Commission
Being Built into a Great Community

11 For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.

12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. (ESV)

15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (ESV)

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (ESV)

18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (ESV)