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Sunday, February 28, 2021

What's Your Dream?

 What do you think of when you hear the word "dream?" For some, the image of sleep may come to mind. Sleep experts say that everyone dreams but we don't necessarily remember them. For others, to dream is to consider what the future may hold. We all have some desire to see the fulfillment of our dreams, for example owning our own home, or getting married, or owning a certain type of car. In the Bible, dreams are a part of the biblical narrative. Joseph dreams that he will one day have authority over his parents and brothers. (Genesis 37) He is also able to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh and Pharaoh's baker and cupbearer. (Genesis 40-41) Moreover, not only did Daniel dream but he was also able to interpret the dreams of King Nebuchadnezzar. (Daniel 2-9) In the New Testament, the Lord spoke to Joseph twice in a dream, once telling him to take Mary as his wife because she was carrying the Savior of the world. (Matthew 1:20-21) The second time Joseph was warned by an angel to flee to Egypt after King Herod threatened to kill Jesus as a child. (Matthew 2:13-15) 

Eternal Dreams

The month of February has been declared Black History Month. Perhaps more than any other year, Black History Month has been more highlighted following the deaths of George Floyd and other Black Americans who needlessly lost their lives. Out of these tragedies the "Black Lives Matter" movement gained new energy in an attempt to end racism and violence against Black Americans. Prior to the "Black Lives Matter" movement, there was another man who had a dream. His name was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In many ways, Dr. King's dream for equality was the first "Black Lives Matter" movement and his non-violent methodology brought about the Civil Rights Movement, and the eventual signing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964. Over 2,000 years ago another man had a dream. He was the God-man, Jesus Christ. However, unlike the dreams of humanity which can be at times fleeting, Jesus' dream became an eternal reality. His "dream" was to redeem us from our sins and reconcile us back to God through His death and resurrection. Prior to His death, Jesus prayed that His followers would be one as He and the Father are one. (John 17:22-23) Jesus desired complete unity among His people so the world would know Him by our love for each other. (John 13:35) 

Desiring God's Dream

There is nothing wrong with dreaming about what our hearts may desire, however what is the reality that most of our dreams will be fulfilled? In a world that is fallen, broken, and tainted by sin, the attempts to achieve racial harmony between blacks and whites could be considered an unachievable dream. However, if the church truly takes to heart Jesus' eternal vision we can move closer to the "oneness" that truly reflects the heart of God. So, what is your dream? The temporary satisfaction of our individual desires or the eternal vision of loving God with our entire being and loving our neighbor as ourselves? "We love because He first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother or sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And He has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister." (1 John 4:19-21)

Peace,

Pastor Sheree