Lane Reflectors

Daily Reading: Proverbs 29

Scripture Focus:  Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint. (Proverbs 29.18)

Devotional Thought:  I remember 45 years ago when DOT first started putting reflectors to designate the lanes on highways.  White reflectors signified the right edge of the driving lane.  Yellow reflectors indicated where the center lines were.  I did not like them.  I was a young (very young!!!) driver, and I was distracted by the reflections.  Over the years, however, I have come to be quite dependent on them.

One night I was travelling on I-275 on the north side of Cincinnati.  We were in a construction zone (when are you not in a construction zone on I-275?), and those orange and white construction “barrels” were flying by my field of vision.  The new lanes were marked with light/temporary paint.  The previous lane lines were still somewhat visible.  Traffic was heavy, and I had lots of lights shining in my eyes.  To top it off, it was raining and the trucks were throwing off barrels of mist.  My windshield wipers were streaking with road grime and bug guts.  Aauugghhhh!  Where are the lanes?  I sure did miss those lane reflectors!

Prophetic visions are like those lane reflectors.  Without them, we easily lose track of what lane we're supposed to be in. A vision keeps us on track, moving in the right direction.  The vision provided by the truth of the Bible marks clearly the road to heaven.  Without that vision, people develop their own “truth” and will miss the right road. 

How about you?  Do you live by the moral vision of the Bible?  Do you have a vision of your God-intended purpose?  Are you engaged by the vision of Jesus who said to “Look at the fields, for they are white unto harvest”?  Without a vision you will certainly “cast off restraint.”

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the lane reflectors - the vision of truth - that you provide.  Help me to move with resolute purpose on the road that you have laid out for me.  Give me a vision of Jesus, I pray!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 17.6-12

6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words.

7 Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.

8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,

9 from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me.

10 They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly.

11 They have now surrounded our steps; they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.

12 He is like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush.