This dream was in one sense a ‘disturbing’ dream. The way it disturbed me was through not being able to read and especially read a passage in the Bible which will become clear. For me not being able to do this in my waking life is where I get disconnected from God. It’s ‘worrying’ not being able to hear what he is saying.
The most part I can remember is being in a room with mainly guys and Debbie, my wife by my side. I’ve been exhorted to read a passage which I didn’t want to. I then was being ‘fake’ rebellious and when I did want to read it I found it really difficult to read it and the passage wouldn’t focus.
When I first tried to read it following the words with my eyes I came to a couple of holes punched in the booklet near the top which had obscured some of the words. The extract had been used for hanging up. It was from some daily reading notes – a devotional Bible reading extract.
I then tried other ways to read it but it wasn’t happening easily. People were looking around for bibles and there wasn’t any. I said I could read it on my phone as I could make the text bigger. Part of the issue was the font size was too small. The room was really quiet. There was one point where there was another scene within it of some sporting event which had some of the kids from the room there but even that didn’t distract from the persistent need for the passage to be read.
A father I know and his son were in the background silently encouraging. Debbie wasn’t letting me get away with not reading it. Everyone was being really patient. The passage was Ephesians 3.1- 8
As I was waking from the dream I thought it might be to do with an up and coming session I had to lead and I was not ready. Sometimes I don’t want to lead but when I do want to lead I can’t seem to focus on my preparation. I needed to face this preparation – it was staring me in the face!
The passage in question is the one I was trying to read in my dream. Here it is below with a few more verses for context:
Ephesians 3:1-13 NET – Paul’s Relationship to the Divine Mystery
For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before briefly. When reading this, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ (which was not disclosed to people in former generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit), namely, that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel according to the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the exercise of his power. To me—less than the least of all the saints —this grace was given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ and to enlighten everyone about God’s secret plan —the mystery that has been hidden for ages in God who has created all things. The purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms. This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access to God by way of Christ’s faithfulness. For this reason I ask you not to lose heart because of what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
In the first read through I notice the word secret a few times in the translation selected. This word makes me think of mystery which is one of the words The Lord spoke to me back in early March. I was to know opportunity, hope and mystery. The mystery referenced in the passage is the gospel revealed to the gentiles. Mystery is the word that other translations use for where the New English Translation uses secret.
More widely the dream passage is about the proclamation of this amazing gospel and the passage requires further study.
What are you saying here through this dream Holy Spirit? It seems very singular. Why am I resistant to it in the dream is not clear. Then when I want to read it I am unable to?
This passage is also about your purposes and this is something you’re showing me, various purposes of God. The main one here:
This is according to his eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This phrase eternal purpose is the one that Frank Viola likes to use. (See link)
One of the key things within the dream is that firstly I am stopped in my tracks. I cannot go on. The words of the passage cannot be read. It’s highlighting their importance. Why the three main characters within the dream? I’ve just a little thought on that. Quite simply the Father – represents The Father, The son represents The Son, Jesus and Debbie the Holy Spirit. They are pointing out to me the passage and surrounding it being there. Everything is paused. There’s bated breath (expectant waiting)! You need to focus on this one thing. Pay attention!
I know this is Paul writing this to the Ephesians but the fact that I am having it drawn to my attention must be significant. The verse 8 in bold above in particular.
I love these three fellows that are spoken of in the passage:
- συγκληρονόμος synklēronomos (fellow heir, co heir, joint participant)
- σύσσωμος syssōmos (fellow member)
- συμμέτοχος symmetochos (fellow sharer, Co participant, partaker)
The gospel is bigger than these three but this is what is in view here. This is what the gospel has made possible heir-hood or heir-dom; membership and participation in all that is offered in and through Christ.
Something else I just noted as I read the Christian Standard Bible notes on the passage particularly v 4 is that it says – uncannily (I will explain) ‘when reading this…’ In the dream I couldn’t read this! The point of the dream is to show the importance of what is needed to be read by the silence of those present. They are eagerly waiting for the message. Yet I am initially reluctant, even rebellious, which turns out to be a mockery, to get the message out there. Once I really try there’s such a keenness in me to read it yet the words aren’t coming out. There’s a frustration in me that the message isn’t going forth from my lips.
Something else demonstrating the importance of this passage In the dream is the two holes punched in the document at the top which were used for hanging it up. This is also is a sign that such a piece should be taken note of.
Later that morning I was in my church service and the two readings had these scriptures in them:
I will give you as a light to the nations, To be my salvation to the end of the earth.
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, who is rich to all who call upon him. For “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
And how will they preach, unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How timely are the feet of those who bring good news of good things.”
And furthermore the preacher spoke about beauty, goodness and truth. I have included the link here for the sermon as no one can say it better on World Mission Sunday
And there it is again. The call to proclamation. A call to preach the gospel.
The following summary I may have got from a Google synopsis in relation to the word of the Lord:
While the exact phrase “the word of the Lord comes to those who are patient” isn’t a direct quote from the Bible, the sentiment behind it is strongly supported by numerous scriptures and Christian teachings.
Here’s why this idea resonates with biblical principles:
- Waiting on the Lord: Many Psalms and other passages encourage believers to wait patiently for God. Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” This implies that there is something to be received by waiting.
- God’s Timing: The Bible emphasizes that God’s timing is perfect, even if it doesn’t align with our own. Being patient allows us to trust in His timing for revelation and fulfillment.
- Fruit of the Spirit: Patience is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22. This suggests that as we grow in our faith and relationship with God, patience will be a characteristic that develops, potentially making us more receptive to His guidance.
- Enduring Trials: Scripture often links patience with perseverance through trials. James 1:3-4 states that the testing of our faith produces steadfastness, and this steadfastness leads to completion. It’s in these times of waiting and enduring that God can often speak and reveal His will.
- Hearing God’s Voice: While not exclusively tied to patience, the ability to hear and discern God’s voice often requires a posture of humility, stillness, and attentiveness – qualities that are fostered by patience.
In summary, while the specific wording might not be a direct biblical quote, the idea that patience is often a prerequisite for receiving God’s guidance, blessings, and understanding is a consistent theme throughout scripture. It suggests that a hurried and anxious heart may miss the subtle ways in which the “word of the Lord” comes.
Something else I note is the phrase wait at tables which is significant. The sense of waiting on the Lord is very apparent. Waiting for him to speak and to see what he is doing but also the sense of serving him. The expression waiting at tables is all about that. ‘What can I do for you Lord? What can I bring to you my Lord?! ‘
Some of you reading this may also feel or experience that sense of being held back in sharing the good news. Free us up Lord that we may naturally share your good news!