Defining moments of revelation

 "Greater than the death of
flesh, is the death of hope, the death of dreams. Against this peril, we can
never surrender. The future is all around us, waiting in moments of transition,
to be born in moments of revelation." 

Introduction

You would expect that the quote above would have come from
some ancient script of wisdom. Profound as it may be, it is actually from a
script for the popular sci-fi series, 'Babylon 5.' You mean that there are
actually some truths spoken by TV and movie script writers? That may come as a
shock to some of our more 'religious' folk, but let us follow the
exhortation from Job 34:3, "For the ear tests words as the tongue
tastes food." Surprisingly, among all the 'dumbed-down,' profanity
laden, and usually liberalized commentaries of Hollywood, there is the
occasional gem of insightfulness that rings a bell. Why should we be surprised?
At one time, God spoke through a very unlikely vessel; Balaam's ass was not
very holy, but he had a vision and spoke for the Lord! When the church stays
silent, God will use anything to get His message across.

Perilous times?

Hopes and dreams transcend generations, but there is much
that could discourage us right now considering the world's condition. We
have nuclear threats from North Korea, imminent war with Iraq, and the tragic
loss of the space shuttle with its precious cargo of seven souls, to name just a
few of the world's present woes. Since 9/11, it has been one thing after
another and we certainly don't need any more complications, but the temptation
could be to get into navel-gazing mode and to lose sight of our dreams.

Watered by dreams

This is not the best environment for dreams to flourish, but
spiritual life can be even hardier than natural life, popping up and even
prospering in the most unlikely conditions. Opportunity and life go together
like smoke and fire. Life will take advantage of the smallest opportunity and
grow even under the hardest conditions when it is watered by a dream. Vision is
the water for your destiny and risk is the soil it grows in. Theodore Roosevelt
said, "It is impossible to win the great prizes of life without running
risks."

Setting the pace

Every year here in America, we remember Martin Luther King's
birthday with a national holiday, but perhaps we have forgotten one of the most
profound things he ever said, "There was a time when the church was very
powerful. It was during that period when the early Christians rejoiced when they
were deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church
was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular
opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society..." The
western church needs a vision-infusion so it can be revived back to its former
strength and regain its commission of transforming society, instead of just
sitting on the sideline and watching the world go by to perdition. We are called
to set the pace, not follow behind the blind!

Taking the plunge

Moments of revelation take place when we recognize that
Providence has granted us a fleeting instant of opportunity which we must
seize for our future's sake. The church has one such moment within its grasp
right now. Will we take the plunge?

"I am convinced and sure of this very thing that He Who
began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ (right
up to the time of His return). Developing (that good work) and perfecting and
bringing it into full completion in you." (Philippians 1:6 AMP)