The Path and the Laodicean (Part 2)

(In an unusual dream, Erick is walking home and has encountered various obstacles while trying to reach a familiar road in the distance. As he crosses someone’s land, the seasons seem to change, and he somehow ends up in a small backyard and attempts to scale a flimsy 50-foot wall that is blocking his path. Since the wall wouldn’t support his weight near the top, he decides to say a prayer and let go…)

Landing back at the bottom of the 50-foot wall, I was somehow physically fine! Picking myself up, I immediately began searching for another way out. I had noticed that there were large areas of clear plexiglass next to the giant wall, and I was able to see the road beyond. Somehow, I knew there would be way through the plexiglass, and soon enough I pushed on one section which gave way like a window screen. Jumping down into a tunnel-like area that was just below ground level, I could see the way out where the road was clearly visible.

As I scrambled through the dimly-lit area, a vibration in my pocket caught my attention. Oh, I have a cell phone in one of these bulging pockets? That might have helped, except I don’t know who could help me out of this jam around here… The caller’s name on the phone was strangely transposed but kind of familiar. Then something happened—perhaps I was tripping on something in the tunnel—and I wasn’t able to answer the phone. Without consciously pressing any buttons, I heard the phone start playing a message from a computerized voice which said something like “You are currently unemployed.” Strange. I haven’t been away from my jobs that long, have I? Thanks for letting me know, but right now I have other pressing concerns.

Then I realized that the open area ahead had vanished, and in the sudden pitch dark I couldn’t even find the other opening where I had come through the “window.” Pulling a high-powered flashlight from one of my pockets, I began rushing back toward the entrance, only to find that the beam of the flashlight was curiously narrow and dim, and I could hardly see anything. At the same time I realized the ground was quickly closing in around me, almost like a tunnel that was collapsing on all sides. Soon it was all I could do to even move. Meanwhile through my panic, I began reciting a familiar Psalm or two* while the crushing earth pressed in closer and closer…until finally no more breath came. Then suddenly I was awake.

* Ps. 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Ps. 27:9  “Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.”

Immediately after I awoke, I was struck by the fact that I remembered nearly the whole dream (dreams can be somewhat infrequent for me), and started thinking of writing down some possible lessons to draw from it.

Later, while listening to a sermon, I was reminded of Christ’s message to Laodicea in Revelation 3. We testify of ourselves that we are “rich…and in need of nothing,” while Jesus testifies that we are lukewarm and spiritually bankrupt. In my dream I was self-sufficient, pockets bulging with supplies and resources as I made my way toward the path I was seeking in my own strength—but in the end, despair set in when everything failed me. It was not nearly enough. I needed the “gold” of faith and love that comes from Christ. Jacob in his struggle with the angel had to learn a similar lesson:

It was by self-surrender and confiding faith that Jacob gained what he had failed to gain by conflict in his own strength…Thus it will be with those who live in the last days. As dangers surround them, and despair seizes upon the soul, they must depend solely upon the merits of the atonement. We can do nothing of ourselves. In all our helpless unworthiness we must trust in the merits of the crucified and risen Saviour. None will ever perish while they do this. (PP 242)

In my dream, it seemed that I was only using prayer as a quick last resort, when things went terribly wrong. How things might have gone differently if I was continually seeking direction to the path directly from the Source of all wisdom!

Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His experience testifies to the power of prayer. It is now that we are to learn this lesson of prevailing prayer, of unyielding faith. The greatest victories…are not those that are gained by talent or education, by wealth or the favor of men. They are those victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power.  (PP 243)

As I sought to find my way to the path, I frequently had obstacles that obstructed my vision. I needed the “eyesalve” from Christ which I did not have. But I also needed the “white raiment” of His spotless righteousness. In our Laodicean state, we are counseled to be zealous, and repent. Every iota of this world that contributes to our lukewarm state, every sin, every indulgence, everything distraction that impairs our clear discernment, must be surrendered to Christ.

Those who are unwilling to forsake every sin and to seek earnestly for God's blessing, will not obtain it. But all who will lay hold of God's promises as did Jacob, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. (PP 243)

The counsel of the true Witness does not represent those who are lukewarm as in a hopeless case…The gold of faith and love, the white raiment of a spotless character, and the eyesalve, or the power of clear discernment between good and evil--all these we must obtain before we can hope to enter the kingdom of God…It is the worthiness of Christ that must save us, His blood that must cleanse us. But we have efforts to make. We must do what we can, be zealous and repent, then believe that God accepts us. . . (OHC 351)

For Christians seeking to walk the narrow path that leads to victory and eternal happiness, the power to overcome is found in the love of God.

True faith and true prayer -- how strong they are! They are as two arms by which the human suppliant lays hold upon the power of Infinite Love. Faith is trusting in God,--believing that He loves us, and knows what is for our best good. Thus, instead of our own way, it leads us to choose His way.…

"This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith," [1 John 5:4.] It is faith that enables us to look beyond the present, with its burdens and cares, to the great hereafter, where all that now perplexes us shall be made plain. Faith sees Jesus standing as our Mediator at the right hand of God. Faith beholds the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for those who love Him. Faith sees the robe and crown prepared for the overcomer, and hears the song of the redeemed. (GW 259)

Where Jesus is, there is victory! Our self is a worthless encumbrance. Let’s seek Him today in full surrender, and put our trust in Him alone!