Revealing Some Dreams

On August 28, 1963 Martin Luther King addressed a crowd gathered around the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D. C.  The event would be called “The March On Washington”, but it was punctuated by one of Dr. King’s most notable addresses that would become known as the “I Have A Dream Speech”.  Dr. King discussed a “dream” he had for this nation, a belief he would describe as being deeply rooted in the American dream.  He imagined a time when people would be judged by character, not color … a time when equality could be enjoyed by all citizens … a time when injustice and oppression would be transformed into freedom and justice … a time when diversity could be embraced in the name of brotherhood.  In essence, King dreamed of a time of unity, equity and equality.  I believe that in the last half century we have made progress as a nation, but I know the dream has been fully achieved.  In fact, I am not sure that it will ever be completely attained because it must come to fruition within the limitations of humanity.  No, we have no excuses for not living the dream, but I don’t we will ever be able to overcome the challenges caused by the fallibility of man.
Centuries ago, another man experienced different type of vision.  At the end of the First Century the Apostle John was given the ability to see a vision (or a Revelation) of what lay ahead for Christianity.  While not everything he witnessed was pleasant – or even understandable – his vision was summed up in the concept of an overwhelming victory.    The Christians who were facing their own type of oppression were given a glimpse of what was not only possible, but what was certain.  Yes, they would experience hardship, but they would overcome.  The contrast between Dr. King’s dream and John’s vision was in the power that would make it happen.  We already noted that the civil rights dreams are limited by the abilities and desires of mankind, but the vision of John was built upon the Perfect Power of God.  As John’s vision came to an end he observed,
“And He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ And He said, ‘Write, for these words are faithful and true.’  Then He said to me, ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.’” (Revelation 21:5-7)
Our Lord has the ability to make His vision come true.  He is not bound by the fetters of selfishness or the whims of tyranny.  Let’s never lose sight of God’s vision and the power of His Revelation because He will overcome the curse of sin and the rule of satan.  

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