Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us… (Ephesians 3:20).
When we read the Scriptures, we find imaginative expression a-plenty.
Ancient prophets used parables, stories and object lessons in the most innovative ways. For the prophets, imagination impregnated their teaching, giving it light and vivid clarity.
Jesus used parables and stories regularly when he taught. He had a fertile imagination that was constantly presenting new images, new pictures, new ideas.
The ability to imagine, to dream great dreams, to conceive great concepts is a divine gift.
For others, imagination expressed itself differently. King David used his imagination in the great songs that he wrote–as did his son, Solomon, whose Song of Songs is all aglow with flowers and food and trees and birds and young lovers.
But David dreamed other dreams, too. He dreamed of a great temple that would honour God and establish his glory over the whole known world.
He was never allowed to build it, but, in spite of this, he went ahead and drew up plans and prepared building materials so that his son Solomon could finish the job (1 Chronicles 22:1-5).
It was Solomon’s temple–but David’s dream!
To read more on this topic see Living in the Image of God, Barry Chant (Miranda: Tabor, 2012 available in eBook and Paperback) from which this edited extract is taken.