- Author:gospel
- Category:Sermons
It is prudent to begin this post by attempting to distinguish between visions and dreams – since they are the most confused of the three items mentioned. A dream can be described as an event that immerses the individual into an experience where the senses –sight, touch, smell, taste, and hearing give the impression that one is awake and undergoing or participating in an activity that has not really occurred. Ina dream it is important to remember that the subject is an active participant or recipient (or actor). For instance, individuals may see themselves running, climbing or falling for instance. It is this participatory aspect of dreams that differentiate them for visions – since a vision is also a virtual phenomenon, where one perceives the event in the same way it would be seen on a computer screen or TV screen – or even in a 3-D fashion, but they are largely spectators.
The prophet Joel writes about the present times saying that in the last days the spirit of God will be poured on believers so that visions and dreams would be widespread(Joel 2:28-32). While during the Pentecost the apostles of Jesus quoted this prophecy, it actually belongs to the present dispensation – for it is in the present times that the final prophecies of the Bible leading to the Day of the LORD (Joel 2:29-30) are happening.
Since dreams are more familiar, and experienced by all or most persons at one time or another, they may be a better place to start. It is also fair to add that there are many who believe that all dreams are merely the effects of the brain replaying experiences. This may be the popular view in science, psychology or other disciplines but does not explain a lot about dreams. Due to the spiritual orientation of this website, it is easy to be tempted to look at dreams mainly from the scriptural or church perspective but again the phenomenon is wider than that. For there are an have always been dreams, even those that turned prophetic, that were have been experienced in different settings.
Some good examples of such dreams that were experienced across pre-colonial Kenya pointed towards the coming of Europeans. A number of these dreams were experienced by celebrated figures including early freedom fighters. They are remembered because they spoke about them and these became oral tradition. Some were eventually published – such as those of Mugo wa Kibiru.
Among those who described the railway included Koitalel arap Sameoi (A Nandi Orkoiyot or spiritual leader), Mekatilili wa Mwenza (a Girima woman freedom fighter), Syokimau (a Kamba woman prophetess), and Mugo wa Kibiru (a Kikuyu prophet) among others. Many dreams portrayed the railway line as a great snake from the sea (Mombasa) to the Lake (Kisumu). One would ask: Why did some of them talk about a snake and not a railway? Well, remember that there was no word for railway in their native languages at the time - let alone a way of making people clearly understand what it was, even if they may have seen the railway proper. Secondly, in many dreams, reality is represented by way of symbols and imagery– it is possible that a snake, or such like imagery was seen.
In his book, Facing Mt. Kenya, the first president of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta mentions Mugo wa Kibiru – a renowned Kikuyu seer. One day Mugo woke up to a disturbing dream. – about strange people who would visit the land, dressed up like butterflies (Europeans in colorful clothes). He also spoke about a snake that they would bring and that would crawl through the land. In a separate narration elsewhere, he even went on to explain how the snake would swallow people at every stop (railway station) and spit them at the next stop or station. Perhaps not having understood the gravity of the message ,some Kikuyu warriors, downplayed the snake as something they would just shoot with bows and arrows. To which he warned against their intentions telling them that these people had sticks (guns) that would kill people from longer distances than arrows. Therefore, he told them that if they acted in such a manner, the Kikuyu ethnic group would be wiped out. He instead advised them to take time and try to understand these strangers. The rest is history.
Some kinds of Dreams
Obviously, there are many kinds of dreams including nightmares – some of which are an indication that one is under some kind of spiritual attack. This is a point worth noting but many of these may not be the dreams of interest that this post and subsequent ones will delve into. Dreams especially those with a coded message, may be seen by a prophet, or any other person who in a lot of instances may not be able to interpret them. A few cases in the Bible include the episodes of Joseph and the Pharaoh and Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar. While the above examples were coded, not all are coded for there are also dreams in which gets the message quite clearly and even without much spiritual awareness or gifts, is quite able to get the message spot on. Psychologists on the other hand believe that dreams are merely experiences that one has encountered that are replayed by the mind during some states of sleep.
Those dreams that will interest us most on this and subsequent blog posts are those that have a message or give some indication of the future. Of these dreams it is important to remember that there are several variations. Some are stand alone. Some will repeat themselves in similar or different fashion – a good example of repetition are the dreams that Joseph had as a child – when the sun and moon and 11 stars bowed to him. He was seeing his family members. The same dream was repeated using sheaves of grain in the field. This is not just something that happened only to Joseph. Dreams repeat themselves to date. There are also dreams that are continuous. It can be in 3 parts for example – where part two continues from part one, and part thee follows two. It may not be obvious to the observer and it need not happen in successive days. At the same time there are dreams that can have more than one meaning. One dream can be about one’s career life and spiritual journey at the same time for example. This list is based on some examples that have been encountered in real life situations relating to various subjects and have been remembered. It is therefore not exhaustive but hopefully has been beneficial to the reader.
Colour and Appearance
Colour and appearance are also important in visions and dreams. As one reads through the scriptures it is easy to note that those quoted were conscious of and made observations about colors. Noah’s story contains the colours of the rainbow. Similarly, colours such as red, white, grey, and black are mentioned severally and not without reason. There are also metals minerals or their appearance for example bronze, iron, gold and emeralds. Their presence conveys a meaning. The way things appear also counts water may be the same liquid but with different meanings if seen as clear or dirty. All these examples are documented in the scriptures – which for many is the only Word of God that they know – in this blog there is at times a distinction between written word and spoken word. As the reader goes through the next section – one may want to reflect on the meanings of colors as they are understood today and the way they were understood in the past. In addition, some readers may want to know if the colors may vary across cultures. An attempt will be made to discuss that.
Some Imagery and Symbols
Equally key is understanding symbols and imagery since in the spiritual realm - since many objects are coded and therefore do not have direct meanings. A separate post on imagery and symbols will give a brief idea that will serve as a stepping stone to a reader who wants to know how the holy spirit communicates. Spiritual phenomenon including dreams are not academic therefore a lot is not possible to explain, let alone discuss exhaustively. In one occasion that was experienced somewhere, someone was reminded of a dream that happened 15 years before and both the dream and its meaning – by a total stranger. Some imagery of interest may include animals. And for those who are more familiar with scriptures in this regard, there will also be some questions answered. What did these symbols mean in the Bible age and what do they mean today.
Other issues that will be discussed in future posts
From time to time more issues will be discussed – in very simple terms how should one respond to certain dreams? That is those with positive meanings or energy as well as the rest? How are prophets and teachers mentored? What about pastors? A lot more will follow –in subsequent months – in between other topics. Hopefully by now the reader has learned or is eager to learn more.
To close this section, it is good to remember that visions and dreams and prophecies which will be discussed as part of this series are usually the forte of prophets and teachers. Pastors also have a role that has more to do with documentation, explanation, reinforcing, mentoring and making follow ups among others. The information that will be shared on this blog will be incomplete in some respects but that is not intended. It will be more because this is an area of learning – even for the writers. For whatever questions that may arise, there is a comments section (even though with some limitations so far), the email address on this website’s contact page can also be used. All the best and you are all wished a happy new week!
P/S: The next post will talk about the spiritual meanings of colour. It should be posted before the end of the month.