Sons and daughters, prophesy. Young men, visions. Old men, dreams. Acts 2:17 [Sunrise May 18 2013]

Sons and daughters, prophesy. Young men, visions. Old men, dreams. Acts 2:17 [Sunrise May 18 2013]

Day 48  Visions and Dreams

The day of Pentecost. All heaven is breaking loose. People are astounded and wondering – “what the heck is going on?”

Peter explains the events of that first Pentecost moment,  connecting the prophetic dots he quotes Joel 2:28

“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:17 (NIV)

I’m age 53 as I write this, an “old man” by biblical standards. (I’m in denial, most days I feel much younger!)

This whole idea of prophecy, visions and dreams is about seeing a better future.

God has a dream, it is for union with his creation. God is all about relationship, and restoring what has been lost.

I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Exodus 6:7

We need a vision to see what God sees. We need to dream God’s dream.

Whatever your future course, does it lead you and others closer to God – or not?

God  takes the initiative and pours out His spirit on everyone who is saved regardless of race, gender, position –  all humanity.

This outpouring is for the proclamation of the gospel, for building the KIngdom of God.

From the overflow of His Spirit inside each of us, we get God’s vision and  God’s dream of specific destinations and action steps to get there.

John Wesley as an interesting insight on this passage.

Wesley’s Notes

2:17 The times of the Messiah are frequently called the last days, the Gospel being the last dispensation of Divine grace. I will pour out of my Spirit – Not on the day of pentecost only, upon all flesh – On persons of every age, sex, and rank. And your young men shall see visions – In young men the outward sense, are most vigorous, and the bodily strength is entire, whereby they are best qualified to sustain the shock which usually attends the visions of God. In old men the internal senses are most vigorous, suited to divine dreams. Not that the old are wholly excluded from the former, nor the young from the latter.

God’s plans have a role for every generation, in every season of life. A place for the energy of the younger, and a role for the wisdom of the older.

Dream Big.

Let’s Pray:

I invite you to pray with me. It’s a compilation of Pentecost prayers, feel free to borrow and adapt. 

Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit.*   Fill your church with power, kindle flaming hearts within us, and cause us to proclaim your mighty works in every tongue, that all may call on you and be saved,**  through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.*

[Prayer sources:  *Scot McNight,  **Lawrence Stookey UMC #542]

About This Devotional Series

According to the historical church calendar, the Easter season is the 50 day period from Resurrection Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.  I’ll post a fresh devotional thought with my sunrise photo of that morning, everyday through Pentecost, commenting as the Spirit inspires. Check out the rest of the series here.

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