Dreamers and Visionaries

Leslie



"In the last days it will be, God declares,

that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,

    and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

and your young men shall see visions,

    and your old men shall dream dreams."

Acts 2:17

We have many visionaries in the church. Without them, we would be going no place and doing nothing. Without visionaries we would most probably just sit, wait, and die even before death comes to us.

Years ago, Leslie had a vision. He was a member of an ecumenical male quartet. He thought that they should put on a benefit concert at the church for the Toys for Tots program in our county. It was a success. It continues to be a success. The "Lightkeepers" quartet has since disbanded; but, the concerts have continued. 

Sunday afternoon we had the privilege of hearing an awesome group that went by the name of the "Sounds of Aura." It did not appear to me that everyone in the group was from Aura. But, they all got together to support our children. Although, the Zion adult and youth choirs both sang; I didn't see a Lutheran among the "Sounds of Aura." I think that is part of Leslie's vision, as well. He dreams of the One Body, one holy catholic Church and the communion of all saints, just as God ordained it to be. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Just remembered that even our choirs had guests singing with them who regularly worship with other denominations. It's a good thing that the people of God should be able to come together to help those in need.

Rev 6:12-17 6th Seal

Rev 6 12-17 NIV


The sky turned black
and the stars fell to the earth.
Photo: John Arthur Photography

The sixth seal is opened and the earth and skies are shaken. The world as we know is devastated in the face of the wrath of God. Not only are the earth and heavens shaken; but, the people are shaken at the knowledge of the coming of the Lord. They would hide if they could beneath the falling mountains. They would rather be crushed to death than to face the Lord God in the day of His judgment.

John's visions are horrifying to those who do not worship the Lord; to those who know that they have turned their backs on God. There is still time. We know not how much time. Turn to the Lord. Love and serve the Lord, your God, with all your heart and soul and mind. The visions of the end can be terrifying for those who do not worship the one true God. But, for those who do, we know that all things are for the good for those who love Him; for the coming of His Kingdom.

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

Revelation 1:1-3 Revealed to John

Revelation 1:1-3 NIV
St. John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, while exiled for his faith on the isle of Patmos, had a vision from God. It was a rather long vision or a series of long visions as recorded in the book of Revelation. As we begin this book, let us remember that it is just that: a vision with much symbolism to be interpreted. We need also to be careful to understand and remember that no one can know the exact time and the place that many of these visions will take place. We cannot know if we will even still be in the flesh when the day of the Lord comes. And... we are to be careful about pointing the finger at others saying they are the anti-christ or there is Babylon.

Before we begin this final book of Holy Scripture, I would direct your attention to verse 3: "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near." As we journey through Revelation, read the scripture aloud. "... faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." (Rom 10:17) Read Revelation aloud so that you might hear it and have a better understanding of what it's message really is. Read it and all scripture aloud that in hearing your faith might grow.

May God help us to have a better understanding of this vision of John as we begin to read through it daily.

God's Peace - Pr. J