Acts 2:14-17
“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.”
Have you ever wondered (within the context of the Bible) what’s the difference between a vision and a dream? In the original Hebrew, the word for “vision” (חָזוֹן, chazon) means to see a divine revelation, while “dream” (חֲלוֹם, chalom) refers to receiving messages in sleep. Visions often come when awake and can be more direct, while dreams convey messages during sleep and might require interpretation. Both are important ways to understand divine guidance. However , from a biblical perspective, young men seeing visions might symbolize their energy and readiness for action, while old men dreaming dreams could represent their wisdom and reflection. It highlights different ways God communicates with people at various stages of life.
But let’s dig deeper. Some of the research I’ve found suggest, vision is the act of becoming, while dreams are possibilities you seek to put it into action. Visions are scripted efforts to effect change. They occur personally and organizationally. Dreams are nice; visions are work. Visionaries are those who turn the dream into a plan — a vision that they make real, either as a business, a process or something entirely new and different. A visionary is one who sees potential in an idea — not always his or her own — and sees its possibilities. Visionaries turn dreams into practice and in this way make the world different for themselves and the rest of us.
So, from the previous examples it appears that vision is paramount. Proverbs 29:18 confirms this notion by exclaiming, “ Where there is no vision the people perish. And don’t forget my very favorite scripture on the subject of vision found in Habakkuk 2:2, Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. But what about the impact of biblical dreamers. Dreamers like, Daniel, Joseph and Peter asleep on the rooftop. While visionaries chart the course for present day success, dreamers provide the framework for the context, content and character of the visionary. In other words, it takes TEAMWORK TO MAKE THE DREAM WORK.
Today is Super Bowl Sunday and we will witness the two most complete teams this season. And the reason I say ‘complete’ is because they aren’t the two most talented, or gifted teams. They aren’t the two strongest, smartest, fastest or most valuable teams either. But the winner of today’s contest will be the team that best executes the directives of the coaching staff. Today’s winner will be the team best able to stay focused on the tasks before them. The team dedicated to a singular purpose, goal, objective and vision.
I bring up today’s football game because there are countless parallels between our commitment to Christ and the overwhelming commitment of a professional football player. For one, the team has to join together in a bond of unity stronger than any opposition that may present itself. Team members must trust one another. They must respect and nurture each other. And without a superior level of trust, the team will never reach their greatest potential. Thirty teams failed to accomplish that goal this year. Only two remain, and the one that can maintain their focus for a full 60 minutes of gameplay today will emerge victorious.
We sometimes mistakenly believe we are independent free agents, unaccountable to anyone. We act as if we are not subject to any laws, obligations or regulations except those we encounter on our own. But the truth of the Word of God reveals we all are jointly put together by the will of the Lord. The Apostle Paul remarks on the subject of individuality in Ephesians 4:16, “from whom the whole body, fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” In other words , we are not our own. We are individually grafted into a team of the Lord’s choosing. Though we may be individually selected, our position and calling is determined by God. We are part of a team - selected by God, protected by Christ and directed by the Spirit. No matter our individual position we all are accountable to follow the same playbook. The quarterback may call out the various plays from the playbook (Word of God) but those plays are the design of the Righteous Coach, Jesus.
I pray we all understand the significance of us working in unison. Teams with disgruntled players cannot win. Teams with selfish and incompetent teammates can never achieve success. Only teams that work together in total harmony can ever hope to receive a reward. It’s not about individuals. It’s not simply about talent, ability or skill. It takes followers and leaders, workers and believers, worshippers and prayers, visionaries and dreamers. Only then will the goal be accomplished, because it truly takes Teamwork to make the Dream Work.
God Bless
