Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained; but happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God].

–Parallel verses:
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭12‬ (emphasis mine)
Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to MAKE PLAIN to everyone the administration of THIS MYSTERY, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, THE MANIFOLD WISDOM OF GOD should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

We live in an age where instant knowledge and immediate action are given primacy. Vision and insight is not valued, but instead mankind has become futile in its thinking and self-absorbed in its selfish and evil ways.

I like to read, and have read many classic novels. One of my favorites is The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas. In this classic (like many others) the first 150 to 200 pages are dedicated mainly to culture, context, and character development. Most of the interesting action takes place after that.

Like a good classic novel, God wants us to build the daily discipline in our lives of studying his Word, building a relationship with him through prayer, and seeking out his heart as we dwell with him. This produces in us an ability to see God’s hand in the world, and to hear his Spirit prompt our hearts. He starts to use us more and more as we learn to draw close to him and live by his truth.

Spiritual discipline in seeking to know, understand, and follow Jesus … results in God revealing himself to us. When God reveals himself to us, we become wise in a different way than others in this world experience. We become wise in the ways of God!

God’s plan was that his Manifold Wisdom (or the immensity of his wisdom over all time and space) would be revealed to us. What a TREASURE UNTHINKABLE — the wisdom of God. And it is within our grasp!

The wonderful-ness of Jesus Christ and his life, death, and resurrection for us, is that 2000+ years later, we can have FREEDOM and CONFIDENCE as we approach God. He is our Father and our King.

Lord, thank you for your great gifts of wisdom and revelation. You love me and desire for me to know you intimately. May you discipline my heart more and more to reserve the best I have for you — the best of my time, my talents, and my treasure.