‘And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel; from each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a leader among them.” ‘(Nu 13:2).
What’s the point of spying out the promised land before taking possession of it? The answer revolves around the wisdom and power of previewing your future. God often gives His envoys a preview of their destiny before they experience it. Such is the function of the dreams and visions the Spirit gives the elect.
Consider how Yahweh gave Abraham a vision of his posterity (Gen 22:17) and informed Joseph of his leadership destiny through dreams (Gen 37:5-10). The Spirit is in the business of revealing what the eye has not seen, the ear has not heard and the heart has not conceived (1 Cor. 2:9-10).
In the same vein, to spy out is to explore your promised destiny in advance. At any rate, it’s good practice to preview before you possess. When you have a foretaste of your coming blessing, you’re inspired and motivated to fully possess it. When you have a revelation of the good works for which you’re predestined (Ep 2:10), you can prep yourself spiritually, mentally and emotionally. You can pray, plan and prepare by faith. You’re geared for it in advance. That’s the point and power of vision.
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