Christian Living

IT HAPPENED IN THE DARK CAVE

by Charles (Chuck) Robey
12/10/18
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"Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has My word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord. “Is not My word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?"  (Jeremiah 23:28-29)

Let me start from the very first of my unpleasant journey, or should I say my infamous dream. You see, I guess I was more exhausted than I realized as I drifted off into another of my dream world adventures.

All of a sudden, I found myself about to take my advanced archeology class field trip, going cave exploring. This field trip had been planned for some time, and now we were off; my entire archeology class of 25 of the brightest, quickest-witted, and most intelligent students in our entire school. There was nothing they wouldn't have thought of or have done if needed.

"Wow, it's really dark in here, let us all turn on our flashlights and move on!" I exclaimed. That's when it all happened, my encounter with darkness.

"What's wrong, teacher? Your flashlight doesn't seem to work," said all the students together jokingly in concert, as if giving a church choir  pronouncement.

"Don't worry, teach, we'll catch back up with you when we conclude our field trip," they laughed as they all ran off into the darkness.

"Oh well, what am I to do now?" I wondered.

Then, as if by divine intervention, it happened. The most unusual character suddenly appeared, out of the darkness. He was dressed in Biblical times garb, and carrying a big lighted oil lamb.

"Who are you, sir, and why are you dressed that way and carrying that old fashioned oil lamp?" I quickly quipped. 

"At least, my friend, my light is trimmed and burning, not like your flashlight with its dead batteries. I'm ready for the adventure, whatever it may be," he responded.

"Well, you got me there, but that doesn't explain who you are, and your purpose of being here," I pressed him.

"My son, I know you to be an intellectually thinking Bible scholar. You should remember what I'm about to relate here," he continued. "The parable labeled The Ten Virgins is somewhat similar to your cave experience today. (Matthew 25:1-13)"

"Ten virgins, or bridesmaids, if you will, were chosen to be in a wedding party procession, and each was carrying a lamp, as they waited to take part in the nighttime wedding procession."

"Now the crux of the parable: Five of the bridesmaids were wise and had brought extra oil for their lamps, while the other five were not so wise, as they had no extra oil for the lamps."

"Then, there was the midnight cry to come meet the bridegroom. Having realized their lamps had gone out, the unwise bridesmaids asked the wise ones for oil. However, their request was refused, saying they didn't have enough oil to share."

"During the time the unwise ones were away trying to get more oil, the bridegroom arrived. The wise bridesmaids then accompanied him to the wedding, But the others arrived back too late and missed the ceremony. Do you not get the connection?" he asked.

I hesitated momentarily, before answering. "Yes I do. I get it. Thanks for the parable critique", I responded.

"Now, my son, I appreciate your well-mannered and courteous response, but you really failed to give an answer to my question," he continued with his assessment of the parable narrative.

"The kingdom of heaven will be like this parable. We must all be ready, for we know not when our heavenly Bridegroom will be coming back to call us as His own. (Matthew 24:36) (Acts 1:7) It may be at the midnight call, "Behold the bridegroom! Come out to meet Him!" (Matthew 25:6)  

"You see, my son, this parable clearly teaches us watchfulness (Matthew 25:13). And only those who are prepared for His coming will enter the kingdom," he finished.

"Oh, I get it. I must be prudent with the Gospel, as the wise bridesmaids were in taking extra oil for the lamps, because I don't know the time or hour my Bridegroom will come back. I surely don't want to miss my Lord's wedding feast by not being prepared." I said. (Matthew 25:11:13)  

However, our conversation was suddenly cut short. The reincarnated Bible character was gone. He had disappeared completely out of sight, in the darkness of the cave. And so was my dream.

Eventually, my students came back to rescue me, but not until I had time to reflect on my dream. "Let's go home, students, I've had enough adventure now, to last a life time", I said as I relayed the gist of my dream to them. And they agreed as well, after apologizing for leaving me in that big dark cave.

I couldn't move fast enough. Entering my home, I literally ran to where Mom kept that big family Bible. As I brushed off the dust and cobwebs, her  Bible seemed to mysteriously open to a handwritten note from Mom.

"Son, please read this marked passage of Scripture (Matthew 25:1-13) very carefully. For I must tell you, the contrast here is between those who make use of God's gifts and those who do not.  I know you are a good young man. You have done well in your archeology career."

So simply mix your knowledge of the cultural prehistoric events with those of the true Gospel. (I Cor. 15:1-4). Like many archaeological findings,  the Gospel is true to its word, and it has a  well laid-out lesson plan for your life. (II Timothy 3:16-17) Now, I'm praying for you."

Signed "Mom"

Wow, what a note! It's dated the day Mom was called home to glory. Why have I not seen this note before? I guess because it was tucked away in the big family Bible, placed on the living room coffee table. I was too caught up in my school studies to even take the time to read it.

What exactly did I do next? A little hint; it was all done on my knees. Amen.

Oh, as far as the identity of that kind old Bible character of my dream --  Well, that doesn't even matter now. For you, see it was the inspired message of the dream that counted. Thanks Mom, for the message and the kind note. See you soon!

"…if I say, “I will not mention His word or speak anymore in His name,” His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot."  (Jeremiah 20:9)

Author's Postscript (taken in part from the website, jimfeeney.org.)

In these "last days" of the Church (II Timothy 3: 1-9,13) (II Timothy 4:3-4)  we should continually let our lights shine. (2 Timothy 4:2). For we can ill afford to fall asleep spiritually. Jesus warns us to be ever ready, to keep our lamps burning, our lives illuminated by the light He provides. (Luke 12:35)

Yes, we must endeavor to not let our spiritual lights go out. Do you remember this old Sunday School song lyric?

Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning
Give me oil in my lamp, I pray
Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning
Keep me burning till the break of day

In sum, hear and obey Jesus’ command to keep your lamps burning:

• Stay fired up for the Lord, alert and ready to serve Him.

• As His holy fire burns in you and your zeal grows for the Lord’s work, be sure to keep that zeal grounded in the clear guidance of His word, the Bible.

• Cultivate Christ’s presence in prayer, worship, Bible reading, and church attendance. By doing so, you will find your “hearts burning within” you as you sense His presence.

• Be not only word-based, but also word-declaring. Let His word in you be like a fire that cannot be held in. Speak His word to others, and watch it break in pieces even the hardest opposition to the things of God.

PLEASE VISIT MY WEB PAGE http://ccrobey.wixsite.com/themessage