I had an encouraging dream this morning. I was changing between two trains which were packed with some dear people. We were heading back to our homeland. Everyone was excited and the people were so friendly like we knew each other for life.
First Train
On the first train, my father (not my real father) was with me. I was constantly excited like a young lad with what we were seeing out of the window. In one scene, I saw in good details how people were catching fish in a lake or something. Father would explain the art of these people’s fishing skills. They were masters of their trade. It took a lot for me to absorb and admire their wonderful fishermen-ship. Anyway, many interesting and meaningful activities were shown like we were watching a gallery of different people groups with different life skills.
Second Train
After a long journey, we arrived at a station. I was scheduled to board the second train, parked next to the first. It was heading for the homeland as well, but on a parallel track. I had to get in thru the window as it was packed with some young people, like the ones I went college with. We were all students, it seemed. They were super excited to have me on board as if they were expecting me.
They were holding me up and passing me in along the isle as if celebrating my arrival. I had with me a shoulder bag. It constantly brushed over their tops. They began to tease me if I got any gift for them. I had some cassettes of Chinese music in the bag which I really cherish and enjoy. That’s the only thing I thought was truly valuable to me and suitable for the occasion. So I asked if I could entertain us with it using the broadcast on the train. They became even more excited, even they might not understand it. English seems to be the common language. Out of the goodness of their heart and their honor to a brother, they would actually like to learn to sing with me. What a beautiful band of friends! I knew I would have a wonderful time with them.
Interestingly, I didn’t see any female figure in the two trains.
I would have forgotten the dream but Brother John called me up. I felt led to write it down. Now as I think about it, I trust this is not a casual dream and the two trains are very symbolic in terms of God’s work ahead for me, even the remnant of God’s people.
Here are few of impressions at the moment:
- The first train is where I learned from and with the Father the various works of His saints thru the ages. Some were fishers of man but hadn’t been afforded the opportunity to learn of Sonship (students or disciples within the train or training). It is marked by the relationship of the Father and a son, which is discipleship should be about.
- The second train is the season of apostolic discipleship. It is the ministry of discipleship in Christ: His brotherly love from and into the Father’s love.
- The singing in Chinese is also very interesting. It might have great to do with the way I will expound the Bible and related topics on culture building in the Kingdom of God.
Aliens and Strangers of This World But Citizens of God’s Kingdom
“By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return.
But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.”
Hebrews 11:9-10, 13-16 NASB1995
From a people lack understanding
“In that day, Lord Yahweh, Commander of Angel Armies, will be a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty for the remnant of his people. He will be a Spirit of justice for judges to render right decisions. And he will be strength and bravery for those who turn back the battle at the gate.
Moreover, the prophets and priests are drunk. They stagger because of wine and stumble around because of strong drink. They are confused with wine, stumbling because of strong drink. They’re too drunk to understand their prophetic visions. They’re too drunk to render right decisions in judgment. All of their banqueting tables are covered with filthy vomit; vomit is everywhere! They say, “Who does this prophet think he is to try to teach us? Who really cares about his message? It’s only good for babies just learning to talk. Do, do this, and do, do that, a rule about this and a rule about that, here a little, there a little.”
Since they won’t listen to me, God will use another mouthpiece to speak to them. With stammering lips and in a foreign language, he will speak to this people. (One like Moses) For he has said to them, “This is your rest, so let the weary rest; this is your comfort”—but they would not listen.
Therefore, the word of Yahweh will be to them “Do, do this, and do, do that, a rule about this and a rule about that, here a little, there a little,” in order that they will stumble backward and be broken and captured.
Here’s what the Lord God says: “Behold, I set in place in Zion a Foundation Stone, fully tested and proven to be faithful and secure. And written upon this precious cornerstone is this: ‘Those who trust in him will not act in haste.’
I will set justice as the true measurement and integrity as its plumb line. My hailstorm will sweep away your refuge of lies, and my floodwaters will overwhelm your hiding place.
Then your covenant with death will be annulled and your pact with the underworld will not stand. And when the overwhelming scourge sweeps over you, it will sweep you away! As often as disaster passes by, it will carry you away; morning by morning, day after day, it will sweep you away!” When you fully understand this message, it will bring nothing but terror to you!”
Isaiah 28:5-13, 16-19 TPT
To a people of understanding
“You who are far away, hear what I have done; you who are near, acknowledge my power! The sinners in Zion are terrified; trembling grips the godless: “Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?”
Those who walk righteously and speak what is right, who reject gain from extortion and keep their hands from accepting bribes, who stop their ears against plots of murder and shut their eyes against contemplating evil— they are the ones who will dwell on the heights, whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. Their bread will be supplied, and water will not fail them. Your eyes will see the king in his beauty and view a land that stretches afar.
In your thoughts you will ponder the former terror: “Where is that chief officer? Where is the one who took the revenue? Where is the officer in charge of the towers?” You will see those arrogant people no more, people whose speech is obscure, whose language is strange and incomprehensible.
Look on Zion, the city of our festivals; your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful abode, a tent that will not be moved; its stakes will never be pulled up, nor any of its ropes broken. There the Lord will be our Mighty One.
It will be like a place of broad rivers and streams. No galley with oars will ride them, no mighty ship will sail them. (Zion is symbolically a picture of Eden in the beginning, which is surrounded by great waters when dry land were separated. It is a place of spiritual dwellings and spiritual light as repeatedly indicated in the Bible).
For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us.”
Isaiah 33:13-22 NIV