Vision 2030, not prophecy
Dear Editor,
There are several unfortunate reasons for Jamaica’s Vision 2030 not being labelled Prophecy 2030 instead, and here are two:
Prophecy carries with it theological connotations and, because we are a democratic and not a theocratic society, the use of prophecy outside of religion, or even outside of the prophetic characters and scriptures of the Bible, can hardly bear fruit.
Secondly, “vision” in any sense of the word can be quite limited, or even handicapped. This limitation may be environmental, logistical, biological, psychosocially deliberate, or subconsciously or spiritual. The prophets, including Jesus Christ, spoke of “having eyes, but not seeing” or “seeing but not perceiving”. If we often suffer from cognitive glitches where something is right in front of us and we don’t see it, then how can we extend this flawed “vision” by a decade?
This is where walking by faith applies, for with faith one seeks and aims for a destiny. He asks diligently and faithfully for it of the Lord, God promises him, and that prophecy is fulfillment-bound.
The late Bob Marley, who many have suggested to be a contemporary prophet, sang: “Time will tell…think ya in heaven but ya living in hell.” The only thing worse than living in hell is not knowing or being prepared to do so. And this is where prophecy is a most welcome virtue, for even though it might not be what we fancy, it keeps those who believe wary of what is to come.
Andre O Sheppy
Norwood, St James
astrangely@outlook.com
