While employees focus on the challenges directly in front of them, leaders see the future from a distance. They don't just dream about what can happen now, but also about what could happen next year, in the next decade, or even in the next generation.
When God told Abraham to leave his comfort zone, his home in Haran, his relatives, and everyone familiar to him in order to start over in another land (Genesis 12), Abraham received a vision from God. God gave Abraham the picture that he would found a great nation; in fact, God said he would become the father of many nations! Abraham felt compelled to follow this great vision, even though he otherwise had nothing else to rely on.
What can we learn from Abraham about the quality of Vision?
When we observe Abraham in Genesis 12-22, we can work out the criteria for a vision given by God. Accordingly, a vision includes the following aspects:
- It begins with God's priorities (Genesis 12:1-2).
God initiated the vision, not Abraham. When leaders begin with God's vision, it is easier for them to keep their direction and their motives pure.
Genesis 12:1-2 - The Call of Abram and the Journey to Canaan
1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.
- It connects with the leader's identity (Genesis 15:2-4).
The vision Abraham received fit exactly with him and Sarah; it matched the needs and desires of this childless couple. Better still, its fulfillment would also serve many others.
Genesis 15:2 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?
3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.
4 And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.
- It involves others (Genesis 12:2-3).
A vision from God always involves others as well and blesses them. The Lord told Abraham he would be blessed in order to bless many nations, and that is exactly what happened through the birth of Christ many generations later.
Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
- It is bigger than the leader (Genesis 17:1-8).
While Abraham only wanted to father an heir, God wanted to found an entire nation. This vision went far beyond Abraham's boldest dreams and his own abilities. A vision this large would take more than an entire lifetime to fulfill.
Genesis 17 The Everlasting Covenant with Abraham
1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
- It connects with the leader's deepest convictions (Genesis 18:9-14).
The vision that began to burn in Abraham's heart touched his strongest values, including his desire for a family and a piece of land.
Genesis 18:9 And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.
10 And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.
11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?
14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
- It is tangible and easy to communicate (Genesis 15:5).
God gave Abraham a tangible picture of his vision: look at the sand on the shore, he said, and at the stars in the sky. These objects served as visually tangible images to help Abraham embrace and fulfill the vision.
Genesis 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
- It has eternal value (Genesis 17:19).
Abraham's vision went far beyond his own life on earth and encompassed more than wealth and fame. His vision influenced the eternal destiny of millions of people.
Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.