The Heavenly Vision by G. W. Caviness

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Aug 15, 1916

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 43, No. 32.

The Heavenly Vision

By G. W. Caviness

EVERY ambitious young person is looking toward the future, and has some purpose, or some idea of what he would like to be. I recently heard a noted architect, who had been converted, say that God has a plan of life for every one. His plea was that every one should let God work out this plan in his life. This certainly is the truth, and is in harmony with the Scriptures, too.

Paul, when he stood before the tribunal of Agrippa, after relating his wonderful experience, and the vision given him on his way to Damascus, said, "Whereupon, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision." In order to reach the purpose of God, and have His plan worked out, it is absolutely necessary that one pass through trials and difficulties, yes, even sufferings; for by no other way can one gain perfection. Even the Captain of our salvation was made "perfect through sufferings."

Ordinarily, when one is desirous of reaching a high position, or of doing something of importance in the world, he looks for many helps and great opportunities, expecting that by these he will reach the place desired. But always in the word of God we find that it is different with respect to the heavenly vision that Paul saw. The same angel that spoke to Paul, speaking with Ananias, said of the former, "I will show him how great things he must suffer for My name's sake." So Paul's call to greatness was a call to pass through trials and sufferings; and his greatness consisted in the fact that he was able to endure them and come through triumphant.

Among the sons of men, there have been none that could say, at the close of their lives, more triumphant words than those of this same humble follower of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. On the eve of his departure, when he knew that the time had come to suffer martyrdom, he wrote to Timothy these words: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing."

Joseph had a similar experience. In fact, he saw the heavenly vision in early youth. He chose the good way, and was walking in it so faithfully that his father could trust him more than his other sons. But this same partial trust of the father brought its fearful results. Before Joseph could reach the place where he was ready to be a ruler of men, and the temporary savior of his own brethren, it was necessary that he pass through the severest trials. Sold as a slave, unjustly cast into prison, he still preserved his integrity and his faith in God. When he had passed the test, he was made ruler of Egypt.

His character was such now that when his brethren spoke of what they had done to him, he said, "God did send me before you to preserve life." When, after the death of their father, they spoke as though they feared he might take vengeance upon them, he wept that they should imagine him capable of doing any such thing.

It is character that God desires. It is that which He is trying to develop in the children of men at the present time. And if any are able to endure the test, and follow the heavenly vision, they will certainly reach the character that will be crowned with eternal life in the final day.

G. W. CAVINESS.