THE DIVINE KALEIDOSCOPE

As if in a vision, I saw a long line of God’s Followers from every generation stretching off into the horizon. They earnestly debated with one another: “What is The Grand Priority in the heart of God to which we should apply ourselves?”

These Followers were many, although still few compared to the magnitude of the Harvest Task. Because they knew their limitations and the brief span of their mortal lives, all the more urgently they desired to know God's priority to which they should devote their time.

Each man and woman waited in turn to step before The Lord of the Harvest and look through what he supposed was a Divine Telescope in His hand. Through it each expected to see The Far Goal in order to set his own sites toward The Grand Priority for his own times and his own life.

When each received the object from The Lord’s hand, he found to his surprise that it was a kaleidoscope! He lifted it to The Light. For one moment he saw a special and unforgettable vista of Eternity and of his present world reflected in a mirror with magnificent multi-patterns and variegated colors. He knew instinctively that what he saw was the life plan and task which he and only he was born to fulfill. It was The Grand Priority for his personal labors! He did not question it, and his heart leaped with joy as he accepted it. It become indelibly fixed in his heart and memory although the multi-pattern had already shifted as he handed the kaleidoscope back.

The Lord then gave the kaleidoscope to another of His Followers. He, in turn, gazed eagerly into it to see his own Grand Priority. He saw a different priority, not at all like that described by any of the others. The second man received his personal vision, as did the third and fourth ad infinitum. Each henceforth possessed a vision which no one else could dispute or duplicate.

Through the Ages the Eternal Plan of God turns slowly in variant patterns toward the culmination of His Kingdom when His will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Each unique design seen through God’s kaleidoscope is not haphazard, as is the view through the toy which a child holds to the light—turning, turning, always shifting. The view that God gives each of His followers is prearranged and predestined.

God’s kaleidoscope reveals His special and eternal will for each man and woman reflected in human need and circumstances at his particular time in history. Through it he sees the field, which is the world: the Seed to sow, the soil with its furrows, the young plants, the taller stalks, and finally the ripened grain in harvest. Which fields are viewed as “white” are ever-changing. One man sees it here, another there. All in God’s appointment. 

As God’s kaleidoscope keeps turning with the times, the view is always fresh because the present scene keeps changing. The colors, chromaticism, brilliance, and shadows continually shift. Certain aspects of the whole picture sometimes stand out in bold relief. At times some geographical areas appear to need greater attention. Certain classes of society need to be urgently reached at a particular time. Methods vary in effectiveness. The resistance or receptiveness of a people-group changes.

God is omnipotent. God is omniscient and sovereign. The kaleidoscope of worldwide need and supply is held firmly in His hand not in our frail, human grasp. Thank God that it is so!

After receiving his individual vision for his unique Grand Priority, each Follower is assigned his place in The Harvest and provided with suitable spiritual vestments and equipment to carry out his field task. Neither tools nor attire are of man’s choosing. They are received as gifts from the Spirit of God. Each man finds that those too are not like those of any of the others. Each becomes peculiarly outfitted to fulfill The Grand Priority which only he has seen so clearly through God’s kaleidoscope.

As God’s Followers turn away and hasten toward The Harvest Field, they meet others along The Way with similar yet not identical equipment. They gladly join with other laborers, sensing bonds of strength and purpose. God does not intend for His Followers, although possessing personal visions of The Grand Priority, to walk and work alone. Those of like gifts labor together, as do those who need the gifts of others to accomplish The Task. 

God’s Body, the Church, having many members yet is grouped in parts, fitly joined, and functions together in community and unity. God’s Followers, shouldering their tools and singing with joy and camaraderie, fall in step and march toward their place in The Harvest Field. Each has a firm conviction that he has seen The Grand Priority for his segment of space and time in history. As it was said of King David, they go forth to serve their generation.

****

From THE RESOURCE BOOK

Ephesians 2:10 Amplified Paraphrased Version

“For we are God’s (own) handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus (born anew) that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us, (taking paths which He prepared ahead of time) that we should walk in them, living the good life which He prearranged 
and made ready for us to live.”

Harvest verses: Matthew 9:37,38; Luke 10:2; John 4:35

Co-laborers with God: 1 Corinthians 3:9

Equipped and gifted for service: Ephesians 4:11-13;
 1 Corinthians 12.