What does it mean for us to dream and work toward a better world? We all know of the Rev. Dr. King Jr.’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech, where he cast a vision for a United States where everyone would “not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character” (1963). He quotes the prophet Isaiah with: “I have a dream that one day ‘every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low.
“The rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.’ This is our hope” (quoting Isa 40:4-5a). He proclaimed a hope for a better world in which all people of this nation, and even the world, share in the work God does remaking all things.
His dream echoes for us what many dreamers of the Bible perceive, a greater understanding and connection to the Lord.
While on the run from his brother Esau, Jacob dreams about the presence of the Lord surrounding the place where he was (Gen 28:10-22); proclaiming “Surely the LORD was in this place – and I did not know it!” (v 16b). Even later, many of the prophets had dreams, visions of God’s faithfulness and restoration of the people of Israel (Isaiah-Malachi). But these dreams, they are not just figments of imagination. They are not just hopes to be tossed aside as we say, “Well that’s a nice hope, but it’s a fool’s hope.”
Rather dreaming of God’s vision for a better world is for all of us to strive for. Jesus taught us to consider the world differently, a reality in which God is experienced daily together through mutual love (Jn 15:1-17) and service to all (Lk 10:25-37). He showed us the way of life in which God is working to renew all things in the world. And then, he asked us to continue that work. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you” (Mt 28:18b-19a, 20). He turns the living of the dream/vision that God has for all creation over to us.
So, how do we live into that dream?
It’s not just being kind or nice to everyone. It starts with being honest with ourselves. Am I as Christ says “loving my neighbor as myself” (Mt 22:39), or am I only thinking of myself? Are we as Paul puts it, “holding to what is good… out doing one another in showing honor… being patient in suffering… contributing to the needs of the saints; extending hospitality to the stranger?” (Rom 12:9-13) So people of Brookings, and beyond, I encourage you to live into the dream. Show grace and understanding. Live honorably in your work. In this way, together we live the dream cast by God.
