Last night I had a dream that I won't soon forget. I'm still trying to shake the disappointment of reality after waking up from it.
Dream or Reality?
We were in a secluded house on the side of a hill. The house was sparse and the hills colorless and glim (something I just made up combing grim and glum). We heard thunder-like rumbles outside, progressing into loud, unsettling noises accompanied by flashes of light like fireworks exploding. What we initially dismissed as a thunderstorm, we were quickly realizing was so much more serious.
Brylee rushed to the window in a panic and I tried to stay calm. We knew it was coming. We were in a war that I had come to terms would eventually reach us, and apparently it was finally doing so. I quickly joined Brylee at the window, pulling her away for her own safety and so I could pull aside the curtains to see what exactly we were facing. (Bombs? Soldiers invading?) I saw streams of cloudy smoke falling from the sky, trailing behind small balls of fire. Our brief speculations of panic transformed at once into peace and serenity, an unshakable calm covered me once I realized what this was--the moment we'd been waiting for.
I held my excitement, as we rushed outside for a clearer view, a couple inside peeking cautiously out the door still uncertain what to expect and questioning if we should take cover. Pointing to a clearing in the clouded grey sky that was the truest of blues with a light in the distance, I exclaimed, "No, it's Jesus. He's here!"
The others joined us from inside. Knowing we were safe from the fire, together we watched the light. We had been in hiding and were anxious to see family and friends and especially those who had passed away, and knew we'd now get to. The light grew bigger and brighter. The loud rumble of the earth preparing to release the dead-in-Christ from their resting place jolted me awake.
I felt incredible, as if I had truly just seen Christ and was moments from joining Him for eternity. I rethought it over and over as I fell back asleep, locking the details in memory so I wouldn't forget it like I have other dreams.
Returning to Reality
As the next morning wore on, I continued to think about that opening of bright blue sky in all the grey and that small light magnifying. I became overwhelmed little by little with the disappointment of reality--that, for now, it was all just a dream. Perhaps a small glimpse into what people felt at The Great Disappointment.
At church, people up front kept pointing out what a "Spiritually high" Sabbath this was. And so it was--a baby dedication of our new dear friends, awesome praise songs, great music from a visiting school, a powerful testimony from someone who was just narrowly saved from death after the recent birth of her second baby.
But, for me, I just didn't feel the high. And quite the opposite which became more apparent the more I heard the phrase "Spiritual high" and thought, But He didn't really come! Why is no one else disappointed that we're STILL HERE?!
Encouragement from Revelation
And so, I turned to Revelation for a little sympathy and encouragement. (Afterall, if anyone understands what it's like to be part of an incredible dream and wake up to reality, it is John!)
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.
Then he said to me, "These words are faithful and true." And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. "Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."
"I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star." And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly.' Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus!
{Revelation 1:3; 11:19; 22:6-7, 16-17, 20}
