So, say that the Lord gives a vision. He may show you something internally--most likely when in prayer or when your eyes are closed--or give a more external, 'open' vision. Either type is a blessing! Either type of vision is a way that the Lord conveys His word. (1 Samuel 3:1)
Now, this vision is a message from God. It tells you something otherwise unknowable--it tells you whatever God wills to reveal. It's knowledge may be meant to apply to yourself, or to your best friend. Or maybe God wants you to share it with anyone who has ears to hear. And receiving this vision is relatively easy--it's a free gift! (1 Corinthians 12:4) Interpreting the vision may be a little more difficult. Our response to any God-given vision should be to seek Him for the fullness of the interpretation. A picture is worth a thousand words, and any picture God gives is perfect. In addition, a general rule is that God speaks with double entendres--double meanings.
"One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard..." Psalm 62:11
So we need to discern the vision and understand that it probably (not always) has a primary and secondary meaning. I've found that the two meanings contained in a vision probably relate to each other in one of three ways:
1) The vision relates to the now and also to some time in the future or past. It's prophetic in that it carries God's mind for this present moment and it's connection to another point on the timeline. It's a predictive vision.
2) The vision relates both literally and figuratively--symbolically--to a certain theme or situation. It may describe both the physical and spiritual aspects of something. It's a parable vision.
3) The vision relates to a smaller topic and a larger topic--it contains a theme within a theme. This kind of vision zooms in on an issue--it magnifies and "divides" the truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) It allows you to understand how the initial roots of something are manifested farther down the line. Therefore, this vision might reveal either the cause or effect of an event--or both! It's an amplifying vision.
Now, these three categories are not the only three, nor are they always mutually exclusive. There are many other potential interpretations found within the visions that God gives. But I feel that they provide a general template. Also keep in mind that a vision may not fit into just one of the categories. It may be prophetic and also apply to smaller forces that cause larger issues. Or it may be "parabled"--highly symbolic-- and also prophetically point to the future. Just look at the books of Daniel and Revelation for examples of that!
With so many nuances, potential meanings, and combinations of meanings found within a vision, it's clear we need the help of God to discern. And we will receive help, if we seek the Lord for it! Remember that Jesus spoke in parables, and His disciples didn't always understand...until they received the Holy Spirit. And Jesus told His disciples in advance that the Spirit would be the One who would explain all things to them. (John 14:26) In the same way, it is a yielding to the Holy Spirit that will lead to the full revelation on any vision God gives. Let's seek Him as He reveals to us the scope and significance of His truth!
"But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him." 1 John 2:27
Now, this vision is a message from God. It tells you something otherwise unknowable--it tells you whatever God wills to reveal. It's knowledge may be meant to apply to yourself, or to your best friend. Or maybe God wants you to share it with anyone who has ears to hear. And receiving this vision is relatively easy--it's a free gift! (1 Corinthians 12:4) Interpreting the vision may be a little more difficult. Our response to any God-given vision should be to seek Him for the fullness of the interpretation. A picture is worth a thousand words, and any picture God gives is perfect. In addition, a general rule is that God speaks with double entendres--double meanings.
"One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard..." Psalm 62:11
So we need to discern the vision and understand that it probably (not always) has a primary and secondary meaning. I've found that the two meanings contained in a vision probably relate to each other in one of three ways:
1) The vision relates to the now and also to some time in the future or past. It's prophetic in that it carries God's mind for this present moment and it's connection to another point on the timeline. It's a predictive vision.
2) The vision relates both literally and figuratively--symbolically--to a certain theme or situation. It may describe both the physical and spiritual aspects of something. It's a parable vision.
3) The vision relates to a smaller topic and a larger topic--it contains a theme within a theme. This kind of vision zooms in on an issue--it magnifies and "divides" the truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) It allows you to understand how the initial roots of something are manifested farther down the line. Therefore, this vision might reveal either the cause or effect of an event--or both! It's an amplifying vision.
Now, these three categories are not the only three, nor are they always mutually exclusive. There are many other potential interpretations found within the visions that God gives. But I feel that they provide a general template. Also keep in mind that a vision may not fit into just one of the categories. It may be prophetic and also apply to smaller forces that cause larger issues. Or it may be "parabled"--highly symbolic-- and also prophetically point to the future. Just look at the books of Daniel and Revelation for examples of that!
With so many nuances, potential meanings, and combinations of meanings found within a vision, it's clear we need the help of God to discern. And we will receive help, if we seek the Lord for it! Remember that Jesus spoke in parables, and His disciples didn't always understand...until they received the Holy Spirit. And Jesus told His disciples in advance that the Spirit would be the One who would explain all things to them. (John 14:26) In the same way, it is a yielding to the Holy Spirit that will lead to the full revelation on any vision God gives. Let's seek Him as He reveals to us the scope and significance of His truth!
"But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him." 1 John 2:27
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