Harvest of Asher Congregation | Akko, Israel
Jacob worked fourteen years to marry his beloved Rachel. Then for many years of their marriage, she was barren. Rachel at last gave birth to a son, Joseph, and he became Jacob’s favored child.
When Joseph began receiving prophetic dreams about having authority over his brothers, and rashly told his family, you can imagine that they were less than thrilled. His brothers were already jealous and his arrogant attitude angered them even more. His father also became angry and yet “kept the matter” in his heart, wondering what Joseph’s dreams might portend (Genesis 37:11). If a dream or vision is truly from God, it will eventually come to pass, even though God will often allow other things to occur in the meantime. In Proverbs 29:18 we are told that we need vision to maintain restraint, not to “go crazy” as it reads in modern Hebrew. God sends dreams and visions in various forms and through various people and circumstances – especially through divine revelation of God’s Word. Dreams and visions are not limited to a selected few. They are meant to guide and direct us to God's plan and purpose.
We as believers need a vision, a direction, and a higher purpose for our ourselves and those around us. We see in Philippians 3:14 how even through trials, we are called to press forward toward the vision and high calling. The first century believers lived under the oppressive rule of Rome. Despite these conditions, they were able to keep their eyes on Yeshua because they held fast to the promises that He had given them.
What are the dreams and visions we have received from God and how can we operate in accordance within the framework of our daily lives? We are called to be doers of the Word, to bring change to our society. We must remain alert and ready because the enemy will try to take our focus from God’s purpose. Put aside distractions and run toward the prize! Back to Joseph, the beloved son. Like him, we are also dearly beloved. However, unlike young Joseph we should always act in humility, led by the Holy Spirit. Also, be careful not to prophesy out of personal thoughts and desires, but through the leading of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God (Jeremiah 23:16). God will guide us through His Word, and through visions and dreams. Don’t be discouraged or confused when God shows you something and time goes by without it coming to pass. Hold it close to your heart. Be patient and faithful, and the day will come when the words you received will become a reality. God has so much that he wants to share with each of us! So let’s move forward with hearts totally submitted to His guidance and with these encouraging verses in mind:
“For I know the thoughts that I think about you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) “Press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Messiah Yeshua.” (Philippians 3:14)
