Winter 1985
Vision
Wade E Taylor

“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened.” Eph. 1:18

“But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is Godly for Himself.” Psalm 4:3

A mountain tree if it would see
the far horizons and the stars,
May never know a sheltered place
nor grow symmetrical in grace.
Such trees must battle doggedly
the blasts, and bear the scars.
-Loyal Marion Thompson

There is a call going out for a people who will choose to climb the mountain of vision with the Lord. “Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter” (Rev. 4:1). There are yet many hidden things that the Lord desires to reveal to His people.

Having clear “vision” entails separation from the good in order to be brought to the best. “Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away . . . look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon” (S.S. 2:10; 4:8).

A mountain tree if it would see the far horizons and the stars.” A mountain tree speaks of elevation, a lone tree on the crest of a windy mountain, far above the forest beneath. Here, it is able to see the far horizons, things that relate to the earth realm in a perspective that could be seen in no other way. But, along with this, it can see the stars, a beautiful vision of the heavenlies in all their glory.

“May never know a sheltered place, nor grow symmetrical in grace.” The tree in the middle of the forest is protected and sheltered by the other trees around it. Because of this protection, it is symmetrical and beautiful to look at, but it has no vision. It cannot see “the far horizons and stars.” Its vision is limited to the things that surround it.

“Such trees must battle doggedly the blasts, and bear the scars.” A “mountain tree” is scarred and knarled by the storms it must face, so it can maintain its place of vision. But, there is a reward for this. These trees can see, not only the things that are close at hand, but also the “far horizons and the stars.”

John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). In other words, “the way up is down.” Preparation for the mountain top is difficult. Few abide there, for vision always has a price. Abraham was called alone, out from his country and kindred into a land he knew not, and became the father of faith. Joseph was sold alone, into a strange country and suffered in a dark prison. He became the head of a nation in a time of dire need and saved his people. Moses fled into the wilderness alone, then led his nation forth from bondage. Jesus went out into a mountain alone, to pray and to call unto Him whom He would. Twelve responded, and they became the foundation of the Body of Christ.

Many Christians rest in the safety of the sheltered place, satisfied with the surrounding protection and security that is provided for them. They are beautiful to look at, “symmetrical in grace.” But, there are those who cannot remain satisfied with this, and hunger for more. These press upward toward the mountain realm of higher vision and revelation, and are willing to bear the cross of misunderstanding and rejection, if need be, knowing that truth and vision are always expensive.

Those who have caught the vision of the “far horizon,” new realms that are waiting to be entered into, could never go back to the safety and security of past visitations or experiences. Every pioneer has had to pay a price. Few have been understood or accepted in their own day.

The mountain is before us. We have marched around it long enough. Let us not linger any longer. May we join the saints of old, and climb to the place of clear vision. Of one thing we can be sure, He will lead the way.