Recently I awoke from a serene and wondrous dream where I was observing a great multitude of people. They were gathered together shoulder to shoulder as far as I could see. Each individual quietly stood without fanfare, singing a stanza of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, which quickly transitioned into the chorus: "Glory, glory hallelujah…His truth is marching on." As I stood entranced by the peace and diversity, I was captured by their unity and melodious singing, quickly realizing this was not a group formed for political or contentious purposes. They were not singing a song to choose sides or insight anyone to anger or fear, but they were adoringly and lovingly worshiping as a unified multitude of people from all different races and cultures, glorifying God.
Next I found myself moving toward a beautiful pair of extremely large wooden doors. I could see the timeworn marks embedded into their beautiful rich patina. I became keenly aware of their age. As I approached the entrance, I observed multitudes of what appeared to be soldiers from every era of U.S. history. Again, I knew this was much greater than any political agenda. This was about masses of people from different eras moving forward in peace focused on God's glory. As they marched in sync through these large ancient doors their faces displayed a great peace and focus. They were saints who had given their hearts to Him. They had surrendered their lives and were advancing in peace and love. As I stood by the doors, amazed at the massive number marching shoulder to shoulder through the doors, filled with wonder and reverence, I also began to join into the chorus quietly and adoringly singing, "Glory, glory, hallelujah - Glory, glory hallelujah - Glory, glory hallelujah His truth is marching on." We were all in one accord, reverently singing of His truth, which has marched on through all eras of history.
From the beginning of creation God has desired a people to love and worship Him in Spirit and in truth. God poured His love out to the world through the precious blood of His only son Jesus, as he was sent to earth to redeem mankind. Since then, multitudes of people have lived through amazing experiences as well as horrific betrayals - wars and rumors of war; but God's desire has remained the same as spoken by Jesus in John 17:26: "I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known; that the love wherewith You did love Me may be in them, and I in them." What was Jesus really praying here? That God in His glory would make us all one. Only through His love and His glory will mankind be redeemed and transformed into His image being filled with His love and grace.
When we ask God to help align our lives with His desire as stated by Jesus in Luke 10:27, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself;" we will then begin to see His love change the culture and atmosphere around us. When we choose to love and simply give a cup of water in His name, we will find that one step of grace can change history.
Regarding the beautiful weathered doors in the dream, we find in Psalm 24 the King of Glory entering Zion in verse 7-10: "Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates, and lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory!"
God, who created every living being and creature loves His creation. As we ask Him to teach us to love the way He loves, to serve the way He serves and to express compassion as He expresses His love through His grace; lives will be touched, and families as well as cities and nations will be changed in His name.
"Heavenly Father, create in your people a pure heart that we may ascend into Your hill and stand in Your holy place with clean hands. Come in Your glory bringing unity in our diversity and make us one. May we as Your people bring glory to You as we learn to move in your love and grace.
