I dreamed last night of a strange happening. It was night-time, and I was outside somewhere, when I saw a multitude of lights appearing in the dark and cloudy sky above. The lights moved symmetrically across the whole of the heavens and formed a network around the earth. Once each one came to a stop, I could see that they all appeared to be linked to each other by a strand of light.
I was aware that this was no atmospheric phenomena, but something very threatening, and even unearthly in its origin. It seemed to me that something most evil was about to happen, and that time was running out for the inhabitants of the world. Yes, you might suggest that I was dreaming of aliens, but actually this was much more real than a sci-fi film.
I called my youngest son and told him to make sure that he was right with God, for time was short and the most needful thing was to make sure of heaven. He was a long way away and wanted to try to get to me.
I tried to raise my other son and speak to him, but could not get him to answer his phone. Eventually he took the call and said he was sleeping. I told him what was happening, and then told him that the most important thing at this moment was to make sure he was right with God and ready for heaven.
Before I could call my daughter (who I was not worried about because I knew where she stood), I awoke from my dream. I realised that although it was but a dream, the need to bring the gospel to our loved ones and the whole world was and is the most important calling any of us can realize.
Sadly, many who have been called to promote the work of evangelism or to go into all the world with the gospel, have grown cold, or got involved with other things. They had good intentions a little while ago, but all sorts of other things entered their lives and they got caught up in chasing wealth, business, success, a new house, new careers and politics.
The work of the gospel slid down their list of priorities, and the few coins thrown in the missionary society appeased their conscience enough for them to feel they were OK with God about the matter.
They would now sooner put their efforts and money into things that they thought more important, and so sacrificed their noble call from God for something inferior. I tell the truth and lie not about this matter. Let them have their riches and lifestyle; let them waste their lives on that which is less than the cause of Christ; for who can change their hearts when the wax from the candle hardens as it slides away from the flame.
But if you would burn brightly for the kingdom and come back to the call of God and the reason you are still in this world, put things in order. God first. His kingdom first. The proclamation of the gospel first. And then, and only then, will all the other things be added unto you.
What will it profit a man if he should gain the whole world, its riches, its fame, its recognition:
and at the end, lose his soul?
For though he fill his house with the treasures of this world, his heart will be bereft and emptied of the love of God and the knowledge of the Holy One of Israel.
(Numbers 12:6)
JGM 2022 Telling it like it is
