Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Proverbs 29:18
Earlier today I went to a local grocery store and noticed a sign that is so much a sign of the times. Posted near the entrance, it was informing shoppers that baby strollers needed to be left outside the store or they must be checked in at the office. As I thought of a poor young mother struggling to put her infant into a store shopping cart, I also thought of the main reason that we have arrived at a time such as this. People have lost their vision. They simply cannot see clearly. How many of you can remember a time when you were younger when a woman with a baby stroller could, for the most part, be trusted to shop without fear she would shoplift? It seems the grocer cannot even risk trusting even a young mother. Yes! It is a sign of the times.
I wonder if this is a sign of the time too?
What was he thinking?
The verse above from Proverbs is most often preached on out of context. For instance, many of you have heard it used to pitch a pastor's latest "vision" for the church--usually an expensive one. Don't get me wrong, we do need direction for ministry as we seek to fulfill the will of God. However, sometimes the vision might just be anything but the will of God (Sorry! Rambling--purposefully.) This verse does not mean that the local church is about to be shut down should we not have some prophetic vision. No! Read the verse in its entire context again. Did you notice the attached thought after the conjunction "but"? It has to do with keeping the Law. How can these two thoughts--a vision and obedience--be linked?
The root word for vision here does not just mean having a dream or a vision. It can also mean that one has perception, wisdom, or understanding. In other words law-keepers have a clear vision of the importance of the law or teachings of GOD and how they benefit society as a whole. This is the reason that the idea of vision is linked to keeping the law (Torah--or teachings/instructions). The idea behind the word "keepeth" also enhances the idea. It can mean, "to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life."
The opposite of clear vision is blindness caused by immorality. People without a clear understanding of law and order will let loose of restraint causing the society to become degraded. This in turn will bring destruction. The people will perish. Such a simple sign disallowing a mother to adequately shop with her child could be a tell. It might be an indicator that the world around us is loosing restraint. Lawless seems to be the order of the day and even those (like young mothers) who once could be trusted are viewed with suspect eyes. If we do not return to God and seek a proper view of His morality, direction, and teaching then this society will surely perish.
Wickedness growing around us at such a frightening rate universally is but one of the many beacons pointing to the seriousness of the hour. Make sure you guard your heart and relationship with Christ through prayer as things seemingly spin out of control. Hear Jesus' warning from Matthew 24:12, "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." Don't let the rise of immoral behavior taint you as you keep looking for Jesus. Remember, He is Soon2Come!
Godlessness in the Last Days
