Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

Daniel 12:1-4 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

“At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, keep the words secret and the book sealed until the time of the end. Many shall be running back and forth, and evil shall increase.”

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Reflect

Most churches have a mission and/or vision statement. Lots of times these are mixed together into one statement but to differentiate a mission statement is about the church as it functions now and a vision statement is about what it wants to be. This passage of scripture in Daniel is the culmination of a vision, where all that has come before is now coming to its conclusion. It’s a vision for not only the church but the world around it.
What is our vision for our churches? Filled pews during Sunday worship, jam-packed Sunday School classes, strong small groups, robust outreach, and evangelism. Now while these are not bad visions, I do wonder if many times our visions are too narrow. Why does it seem our visions seem to be about ourselves rather than the community we are a part of?

What would it look like to craft vision statements that weren’t about our churches but about what God would like to see in our towns, cities, communities that our churches are a part of? What if we came together as a church seeking God’s wisdom, God’s vision for our community? We spent our time, talent, and resources as a church making that a reality.

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Pray

God give us a vision for our communities; grant us the wisdom to strive towards that vision. Produce in us the courage to live your dream for our towns and cities. Grow our vision for the church we are a part of and guide our steps. Amen.

Go with God!