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One of the fun prophecies of the Bible is Joel 2:28 …
I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions (NLT).
God wants us to get the message of dreams and visions, so the Apostle Peter repeats this passage from Joel in the first sermon to the church in Acts 2:17 …
‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams” (NLT).
Let’s note two things:
First: Peter adds, “In the last days…” The last days started on the day of Pentecost (the time of Peter’s sermon) and extend until the Lord’s return. This promise of dreams and visions is for all of us today.
Let’s dream dreams and see visions this week!
Second: It includes young and old alike. I fall into the “your old men” category. At my age, people are beginning to tell me what I can’t do. I love “your old men will dream dreams” because it says what I can still do.
What’s the difference between dreams and visions? I think all ages can dream and have visions, but there is an aspect of dreams and visions that’s age-specific.
- Visions are more inspiration for living life and thus more applicable to the young who still have many years to serve God.
- Dreams are an overview of God’s purposes, and as we age, we better understand the totality of God’s sovereign will.
Visions guide the next steps of living life, and dreams lend perspective. Youthful visions energize life, and the OG’s dreams (Old Guys/people) add wisdom. Both are needed in the end times, so let’s dream dreams and see visions this week.
Let me add some points of OG advice for the use of dreams and visions:
- Dreams and visions must glorify the Lordship of Jesus (1 John 4:3). I’ve heard many loony-tune claims for false visions and dreams. Do they uplift Jesus or self?
- Dreams and visions encourage what is already known from Scripture. We know that the Bible contains all that is needed for training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Dreams and visions should clarify, not challenge, the Word of God. Suspect anyone who claims to have a new revelation.
- Dreams and visions require accountability. I can list dozens of capable prophets who stumbled. Too often, fame and effectiveness in ministry eliminate accountable relationships.
Finally, consider dreams and visions. What’s the fruit? As Jesus warns …
On the last day many people will say to me, “Lord, Lord, we spoke for you, and through you we forced out demons and did many miracles.” Then I will tell them clearly, ‘Get away from me, you who do evil. I never knew you’ (Matthew 7:22-23, NCV).
Do our dreams and visions edify and encourage obedience to the Lord? Ultimately, dreams and visions should reveal a path of empowered wisdom for abundant fruit in the Kingdom of God.
Let’s dream dreams and see visions this week.
It’s fun!