Dream On! - Acts 2:17

Acts 2:17 “‘In the last days,” God says, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” (NIV)

When I was a young rookie pastor, I thought that prophecy was the greatest gift that God could ever give me. I wanted to faithfully interpret the times and show the church folks under my care what God was doing in the world. I felt that I had all the answers they would ever need and so long as they followed my teaching, everything would be perfect. After all, hadn’t I just spent six years of intense theological training at Glasgow University? Didn’t that mean God would use me as His anointed prophetic leader to all the people, no matter where I was sent? And since I was convinced that we were all living in the last days, hadn’t God promised that young men like me would see visions and go forth to prophesy?

Now that I am an old veteran pastor, I see things much differently. I dream more dreams and each night during my sleep, there’s always something new, something symbolic, something important to contemplate. My dreams are more vivid now than at any other time in my life. I don’t know why this happens, but I am thankful to God for the mystery and the message He brings to me in my sleep. So, what are my dreams about?

I dream of a time when peace will outlive war.

I dream of a planet restored to its Edenic beauty.

I dream of a people who cast out fear and embrace love.

I dream of young people who envision a brand-new world where poverty is eradicated, faith is respected, and bullies are corrected; where disease is diminished, cancer is conquered, and all lives are valued.

I dream of a wonderful moment when Heaven on Earth becomes a reality.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of dreams and the hopes that are yet to be realized. Bless us all with Your sacred presence each day and especially during our sleep at night. In Your Sacred Name, we thankfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come along and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s Pentecost drawings called “Pentecost 2019.” If you would like to view a larger version, click this link: 2019.