Of Waves & Warnings

Signposts of the future within a dream....

Firstly I apologise about the length of this post - but it carries an important message, one that could not be contained with a few minor paragraphs.

We see warning signs everywhere we go. In the supermarket there are signs about slippery floors. On the roads there are signs warning us of slippery conditions ahead. On bottles of cleaning chemicals there are warnings about not drinking or consuming them. These signs are typically very noticeable with bright colours and catchy logos. But the single thing that unites them all - is that they warn us of dangers or obstacles ahead.

The word of God is no different - from the book of Genesis to that of Revelation there are warning signs that serve to illuminate dangers and obstacles in the way of those to whom it was originally written, and for us all these years later. These warnings take the form of prophecies - some of which are clear, others are full of imagery, and yet others are found in the lyrical writings of the Psalms, Song of Solomon etc. Biblical prophecy, spirit filled prophecy then and now is still a tool that the Lord uses to warn those that have an ear to hear.

Acts 2:17-21 says: Adonai (the Lord) says: “In the Last Days, I will pour out from my Spirit upon everyone. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my slaves, both men and women, will I pour out from my Spirit in those days; and they will prophesy. 19 I will perform miracles in the sky above and signs on the earth below — blood, fire and thick smoke. 20 The sun will become dark and the moon blood before the great and fearful Day of Adonai comes.21 And then, whoever calls on the name of Adonai will be saved.”’

It is into this space that I step. I don't call myself prophetic or a prophet (never will) - but discernment is one of my spiritual gifts, and am someone who listens to the voice of God, and to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. Dreams are not typically how God speaks to me. So when I have a very vivid dream, in colour, one that feels spiritual even while I am experiencing it asleep - then I pay attention. Normally, I do not remember dreams. But on that morning when I woke, I told my wife of the dream in every detail. She said "Give it to God and ask for discernment about its meaning." So we did.

So what did I dream?

I saw a man wearing a backpack, like he was equipped to guide people. The man was standing on a grassy mountainside facing north. In front of him was a large inlet/fjord that ran west to east. To the north of him was another mountain range. Connecting the two mountain ranges was a large metal bridge, under which the waters of the inlet ran. To the east was a large city that sat on the bank of the inlet - it had mountains behind it. On the mountainside with the man were a multitude of people. Some were heading across the bridge, but most of the multitude was heading back to the city. The man joined those crossing the bridge. Then when they all reached the other side they turned back to look at the bridge and waters below. It was then that they saw a torrent of water come through and sweep away the bridge, and then watched as the city was destroyed. The torrent of water arriving was sudden, with no proceeding warning of its approach.

I had this dream in early February 2021...the meaning of this dream didn't come until the days of Passover 2021. In fact, after a few days, I had forgotten the dream entirely. It wasn't until my wife and I were watching an online sermon (on an unrelated topic) that the Lord brought it back to my memory, and then began to speak into my spirit about its meaning.

As an aside, it was interesting that the revelation of the meaning behind this dream came at Passover - given that the first Passover was about the wrath of God against the enemies of the Lord's people, and the separating of God's people from that wrath. This is echoed in my dream as I will explain shortly.

THE MEANING!!!

I do not think that this dream and what it portrays is prophetic in that it reflects a future event in a specific place. The following is what the Lord revealed to me - there are a series of three warnings and three instructions. Each warning and instruction is grounded in scripture, because it must, as anything 'prophetic' must reflect the word of God and what is said about the times being mentioned. Each serves as a signpost for both believers in Christ, and to those who do not have a relationship with him.

The First Warning - "The Days of Noah"

When Jesus' disciples asked what it would be like at the end of this 'present world' in Matthew 24, his response was very specific and impactful. At first, he outlines a series of events and impacts on our global societies that will serve as signposts to his return. Then he makes a statement in verses 36-37 that it will be like 'the days of Noah' at the end. Genesis 6:5, describes those days as being full of wickedness, and that their lives were focussed on doing evil.

Because of sin, the world and the people in it have always been wicked and evil (hence our need for salvation and redemption). If you look at the news on any given day you will see the ever increasing levels of violence and wickedness that are experienced globally. A culture of death has spread, and become the norm. The rise of occultism, eastern religions and witchcraft is seeing the worship of all things satanic and demonic become normalised.

In my dream, evil and unrighteous living is represented by the city. In the Bible, cities are often used as images of humanistic actions, evil desires and the turning away from God and a godly life.

These dark days are a warning, a signpost that we cannot afford to miss!

The Second Warning - "The Apostasy & False Prophets"

The second warning relates to the deception of believers (and others) by those professing to be ministers of the word. In Matt 24:24, Jesus makes note of those who will come as false prophets (hence my own reluctance to call this a prophesy), and will do extraordinary things in the name of Christ, but for their own glory and prestige.

The Apostle Paul wrote to both the church in Thessolonika (2 Thess 2:3) and to Timothy (1 Tim 4:1-2 & 2 Tim 4:2-4) warning them about those who will walk away from the faith (apostasy), and those who will follow demonic and shallow teachings. We are seeing a time in the Church (irrespective of denomination) - especially the westernised, non-persecuted church - a time of populism, 'happy clappy' effects filled services that only talk about a 'hippie version' of Jesus - one that makes them feel good, but doesn't address issues such as sin, repentance, and living for the Lord by taking up your cross.

The answer to this is found in John 14:6 - where Jesus declares "I am the way, the truth and the life..." - anything different is not the truth, and will not lead you to the Father, nor to salvation that is only found in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In my dream, a great many people turned their backs on the means of salvation that was at hand, and they returned to the city where they could live their lives as they wanted to. That turning away must break the heart of our Lord.

The Third Warning - "God's Judgement & Wrath"

The judgement, or wrath of God, are not common themes amongst some Christian groups, or even the wider community. God’s judgement and wrath are intimately interwoven with his love for his children, even those who are lost. God provided the ultimate life-preserver in his son Jesus – but people need to choose to believe that Jesus is indeed the Messiah – their Messiah. If they choose to believe – then they will have an eternal relationship with God in Heaven. However, if a person willingly turns their back on that wonderful gift – then their disobedience will be judged. You can see this repeatedly told within the Bible, society was judged at the time of Noah, Sodom & Gomorrah were destroyed for the multitudes of unrepentant sins.

It is interesting to note that the hardening one one’s heart to the word and instructions of God, always leads to wilfully corrupt and evil behaviour – as seen in Romans 2:5-6…“But by your stubbornness, by your unrepentant heart, you are storing up anger for yourself on the Day of Anger, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed; for he will pay back each one according to his deeds.”

Are you going to be counted amongst those Jesus ‘Calls up to Him’ in the Rapture – or are you going to be one of those that faces the 7 years of the tribulation? It is a sobering question to ask oneself. And one that we need to honestly ask. I do not think it’s a coincidence that Jesus states in Luke 18:8 “When the Son of man returns will he find faith on the earth?”. Or is it going to be like Matt 7:21-23 where Jesus talks about those who have claimed to have done ministry in his name, but he will say depart from me I never knew you.

The real blessing is that God’s love and his just judgement are intwined and cannot be separated – as much as we may try to. The book of Revelations shows us that God’s ultimate plan is to totally restore humanities relationship with Him – and a significant part of that is to judge and to banish evil from all creation (Heaven and Earth) – and for all time. That time is coming swiftly.

The great mass of water that came and washed away the bridge and then the city represent the totality, and completeness of God's wrath on those who wilfully turn their backs on him.

Are you ready?

The First Instruction - "Escape What is Coming!"

In Luke 21:36, Jesus adds a warning to all believers. In it he talks about being counted worthy of escape, so that when the things to come happen you will not experience them.

In my dream there was only one route to take to escape the calamity – in this life there is only one way in which a person can flee from the coming judgement of God – and that is to believe that Yeshua is the Son of God, that he died and rose again. He did so because the Heavenly Father loved the world so much that he sacrificed his first born, unblemished son so that we may one day stand in his presence – in righteousness. There is no other way…so make sure your faith in Jesus the Messiah.

In this way, the Cross of Calvary is everything. It is the bridge that enables us to get to the Holy mountain of God, that glorious Zion. We must leave our pasts behind and cross it – never to look back, heading for the high ground. Only once we have reached safety will we know what God has truly saved us from. This takes a wilful decision to submit to the divine authority of Jesus, and the will of God – or it takes a wilful decision to walk away from the truth of the gospel. It is more than merely uttering a short prayer of acceptance, it is the reorientation of our hearts towards God, and the heavenly. It takes true repentance for the sins that we have committed, and continue to commit to the will of God. That is the only way out…

The Second Instruction - "Seek Refuge in God Alone!"

Seek refuge in God alone! - how true is this statement in these dark days.

We need to run to our Heavenly Father for protection and sanctuary. The Psalms are full of references about God being our refuge. One such example is found in Psalm 62:5-8, which says…My soul, wait in silence for God alone, because my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and salvation, my stronghold; I won’t be moved.My safety and honour rest on God. My strong rock and refuge are in God. Trust in him, people, at all times; pour out your heart before him;God is a refuge for us.

The whole Bible is full of examples of how God has saved the Hebrew people, or faithful individuals from destruction or judgement, so when the word of God says that he will save us too if we believe in Jesus his son, who died and rose for us – and repent from our sins. God doesn’t lie, so when he states he is just to forgive us, and he will wipe our sins away and forget them – he will.

God doesn’t want an open relationship with us – he wants us solely for himself. He doesn’t want us to be sharing ourselves with anything else – he wants our worship, our hearts/minds/souls. We cannot have one foot in the world, and one foot in God’s presence. There is coming a time when there will be no access to salvation – despite all our efforts. The time is now!! The time is now to get our lives right with God. To accept Jesus as our Messiah, as the one who died and rose again for the wiping away of our sins – so that we can one day stand before God – righteous – worthy of being in this glorious presence.

For us believers - it is also pointless to stay on one side of the bridge, guiding others to refuge and safety without crossing it ourselves. As believers, his spirit lives within us, we are his temple. Even in our hectic, now…now…now lifestyles that we live, we cannot just do a drive-in version of prayer-time, or connecting to God. We need to tabernacle with God, just like Moses did – face to face. God wants us to be living in the fulness of his presence.

In the first Passover – the Hebrews were asked to line their doorways with the blood of the unblemished lamb – the lamb that was sacrificed to sustain them, but also who kept them from destruction. So too it is with this dream – the unblemished lamb of God – Jesus bled for you and I, so that we may live, and live abundantly - So that we could escape the judgement, the wrath, and the everlasting death caused by our sins.

Jesus is the Messiah – he is our hope and should be an anchor for our souls, setting aside fear of what is to come, it will keep us grounded in God and seeking refuge in him – and not in the wisdom or emotions of the world. If we build our lives on the rock that is Jesus, then we will not be swept away by the floodwaters. Our salvation belongs to the Lord.

It’s time to go all in!!!

The Third Instruction - "Guide Other Out!"

In my dream the man was clearly guiding others to refuge, to safety, and what would be their salvation. As we go deeper into these last hours, we must do the same. This is a mandate straight from Jesus.

In Acts 1:8, we see the declaration of Jesus over the disciples and believers who would change the world forever…where he says that they need to bear witness to Jesus and his gospel. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This scripture in Acts, is Jesus repeating previous instructions to his disciples.

Then we see in Mark 16:15-16, Jesus giving this instruction to his disciples, and it also links a person’s decision to either follow Jesus as the Messiah, or to turn away – to the consequences of such a decision. "And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

Perhaps in Matthew 28:18-20, we see probably our most familiar call to bring others into the Kingdom of God.“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” Yet this scripture is much more than a call to make people converts to Christianity - it is so much more than that. It is a call to make disciples – those who study the word of God and live it out. And it shows that Jesus is with us – even to the end of the age – which we are now entering.

Most people do not come to a real relationship with Jesus through walking in the door of the church, or through crusades and the like. They come by having the gospel shared with them by friends and family. It is each of our responsibility to reach out.

We as believers cannot be scripturally illiterate, we cannot be lax and apathetic – we must be bold, stand in the breach and lead as many as we can, to the eternal refuge that is found in the death and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah. We can’t go home alone…we need to try and gather as many that will come with us. Programs can’t do this, our own efforts can’t do this – only the presence of God and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, who pulls on people’s hearts can.

One of the most saddening things that I saw in my dream, was not just the fact that many turned their backs on salvation and walked back to the city – but that the whole hill of sanctuary was not covered in people – there was plenty of space for more.

CONCLUSION

We can’t predict what is coming next – what we do know is that our Heavenly Father is faithful, merciful and loving – and we need to hold onto that like an anchor. We must not see the current events and bend the word of God to them, but rather we must carefully, and with discernment view current events through the lens of the word of God. I am 100% convinced that we are experiencing the birth pangs of Jesus the Messiah’s return – and the contractions are increasing in intensity and regularity. World events are starting to bear it out, so too is what the Holy Spirit is stirring within the Bible-believing, spirit-led church globally.

Just like the original Passover that led to the miraculous escape of the Hebrew people away from the Egyptians – and the protection and provision they received in the wilderness – so too it is with us. God has provided us with the sacrificial lamb that bore all our sins and made us clean enough to enter into the heavenly places where the presence of God resides – the true Holy of Holies. Just as the Hebrews escaped the wrath of God, and the death of their firstborn – so too will we escape the wrath of God when Jesus calls us to Him during the rapture. It is a hope that we cling to – but just like the Hebrews, we have to spread the blood of the lamb about our hearts, minds and souls to be ready for our Messiah’s return.

Whoever has ears to hear with, let him hear!!

Written Nov 30th 2021….