Communicating Vision

Read Deuteronmy 6:1-25 Moses learned firsthand how to communicate a vision. Our last two studies depicted how God had moved Moses from downright rejection of a vision to becoming its primary spokesperson. Moses spent the rest of his life leading others to fulfill the vision that he himself had initially resisted. His experiences both as God's student and Israel's leader provide us with some valuable insights for communicating a vision. In this passage, Israel was poised to move into the promised land. Faced with the possibility of strong opposition from fortified cities, Moses knew that his followers would not take the risk involved if land were the only prize. With God's guidance, he envisioned more for this people, but he had to communicate that vision.  In doing so Moses demonstrated that the vision: • was rooted in the followers' values (1-9). He emphasized that this move was essential to Israel's identity as God's people (4-9) and that it would provide a safe place in which to raise their families (2-3). Visions that don't communicate value won't be embraced. • had utopian elements (10-12). People need a compelling reason to sacrifice their safety and comfort. They won't commit to sacrificing for something that's merely "nice." An effective vision offers something better than the present situation, something that is worth working to attain. • required the followers' participation (13-19). When something is perceived as being precious and costly, it will be respected. The realization of this vision depended upon the people's dedication. Moses couldn't accomplish this formidable task alone. • had long-term ramifications (1-2,20-25). A vision must be worth passing along to the next generation. • required faith to complete. The Bible teaches that God is involved with his people. A vision that is limited to human resources robs followers of a fundamental element of Christianity. An omnipotent God blesses leaders and enterprises that are committed to him. That is the greatest distinctive when a Biblical leader communicates a vision. Communicating Vision and Who God Is Jesus teaches us so much about leadership that we would be foolish to ignore his teachings on as essential a subject as communicating vision. Early in his ministry he called his disciples to leave everything and follow him. How did he do it? Turn to Luke 5:1-11 and its accompanying study note. Communicating Vision and Who I Am Throughout his ministry, Jesus focused people's attention on great and eternal visions. Matthew recorded an instructive incident of vision casting in Matthew 13:24-52. Communicating Vision and How It Works God's prophets were visionaries. If we want to learn about effective communication of vision, we can learn from these masters. Turn to Micah 4:1-5 and catch a glimpse of a master craftsman at work. Communicating Vision and What I Do We come back to our Moses study for a review and a last look at how God led Moses to fully embrace his vision for Israel's future. Turn to Exodus 3:1-10 for today's reading. This Week's Verse to Memorize Matthew 21:21-22 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."