“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14
I think I was standing in a desert, facing a blazing hot sun that seemed larger than normal. But I remember my thirst most of all. As I stood there amid the scattered brush, a dove flew out of the sun and landed on a rock ten feet in front of me. The rock was smooth in appearance and golden brown in color, resembling a round loaf of freshly baked bread. Almost motionless, the dove perched on the rock just stared at me, blinking on occasion, as if it was waiting for something. Then I awoke from my lucid dream. Somehow, it seemed quite significant, yet I didn’t understand it at all.
A few days later, I was on our private veranda overlooking the ocean aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. It was a beautiful morning, and Marilyn was asleep as I knelt and prayed to God for His guidance and our future together. Opening my eyes, I stood and peered out over the blue rolling waves for a sign that God had heard my earnest prayer. I searched for many minutes, leaning against the banister while looking for the white puff of a whale’s spout, or a pod of playful dolphins dancing in the waves; anything that signified something. But there was nothing else to see but a tiny bird far in the distance—somewhat of an insignificant token highlighting my disappointment. Disheartened, my gaze lingered long upon this lonesome creature—a mere speck in the heavens. Moments passed, and as the bird drew closer, it suddenly piqued my interest as it took on the appearance of something quite familiar—a dove!
Even though I was intrigued by its approach, my naturally pessimistic nature insisted that there were thousands of rooms on this ship, and well over a dozen decks, so I was certain that this bird would fly elsewhere and vanish from my sight. But it didn’t. Instead, it angled for our balcony and glided past me perhaps a mere ten feet from where I stood! Call me overly imaginative, but it looked exactly like the dove in my dream. I remember its light tan color, the spotted freckles around its neck, and a most delicate appearance. I was mesmerized as it drifted by with true grace and elegance, gently supported by a breath of fresh air. But being cynical, as always, I presumed that this dove and the one in my dream were mere coincidences.
This mysterious dream was more than five years old, with many thoughts about it continuing to fester in my mind when, without warning, and in the span of one month, several events bared there deathly fangs. Like a jolt from above, my opposition to God’s calling came to an end. It’s time, a delicate whisper said, and I was led to ministry after years of vain resistance. My flourishing aviation career was driven by a self-indulgence that was second to none, yet the shining revelation that the Dove in my dream was indeed the Holy Spirit, and that the Rock was Jesus Christ, changed my world perspective forever. In that dream, I believe my Heavenly Father was the bright light from above, and that they were all waiting while I wandered in a desert of materialistic despair, thirsting for something more. And now, with a grievous finality, my stonewalling had come to an end. I’d had enough, and just like that, at the voice of the Lord, my wife and I left everything behind except for a motor vehicle full of stuff, and the memories of our three dearly departed family members.
So now, ten years later, as an older man following the blessings of a demystified dream, what are my thoughts?
Well, as usual, there are so many.
– Like the sweetest of fragrances, the joy of serving the Lord has never gotten old. Even when I’m tired, I still somehow look forward to every day—and the next. There is always a brighter day ahead.
– Serving others ahead of serving myself has brought an unexpected joy to our lives. It has guided me towards a greater level of patience, empathy, and compassion—especially for strangers.
– With so many miracles witnessed and so many prayers answered, my faith is rejuvenated by the love of God for His people. Persons healed, storms halted, finances provided, helpers excited, dangers averted, and people converted. It’s a joy to see God’s daily work within His ministry.
– A cleansing health message has led to my improved quality of life, indeed. Many of my old ailments are gone, and I don’t miss them at all. However, I do miss the occasional thin crust New York Style pizza with garlic sauce. And that’s the truth!
– How I look forward to our wonderful 3ABN Camp Meetings and the gathering of the saints from around the globe. The powerful sermons, the stirring music from the sanctuary that resonates throughout the halls—they have to be experienced in-person at least once to truly understand the power of spiritual companionship. We Christians are not alone on our journey, no matter where we are in the world.
– Reading the stories and seeing the results of lives changed for eternity moves my heart one beat forward with every word and every hug. And I get to play a small part in someone else’s salvation!
– The constant counsel of Christian companionship. A mouthful of words, but what more can I say about the lifelong friendships that result?
– Working daily with close family members in a world where families are being torn apart. Family is everything, and should not be taken for granted. Hold on tight!
– Working for an employer that cares. God is awesome, is He not?
So I am spiritually refreshed, and have zero regrets. With a few new gray hairs and a five-star review of ministry work and service, I’ve chosen to press forward towards the perpetual prize—a prize that includes the restoration of lost relationships and the love torn asunder by soul-crushing catastrophes. But most importantly, the gift of eternal life with our Father, our Saviour, our Creator, and our King—all of whom go by many names, and all of whom are Holy.
If you are like me, you dream about Heaven every day. So until we stand on the Sea of Glass and gather under the Tree of Life, be of good cheer, for your redemption draws near. Many are called, but we have been chosen.
“ Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8
