Where is Zarephath

Dreams

I have been privileged to be made aware of this newly founded happening called Finding Zarephath.  I understand that the vision for this endeavor was birthed by a (divinely inspired) dream.  A dream that revealed the need for a place of safety, a place of rest, a place of God’s continued provision.  A place of serving and being served.  A place of life and resurrection, of miracles and revelation.  A place of respite for battle weary Christian women who have been serving in various capacities in ministry.

Probably the main reason for my opportunity to pen this piece is that I too, had a dream. The parallels of my dream to Zarephath are extraordinary.

My dream was situated in what appeared to be a congregation of Christian people gathered in what was recognizable as a church like setting.  Instead of the traditional service accoutrements most of us are familiar with, the people were up out of their seats ministering to one another from a heart of sincere caring and concern.  A man came and sat beside me.  From his loving demeanor and caring and thoughtful presence, I experienced a euphoric sensation of joy and peace that truly “passed all understanding”.  My thoughts were, “Is this the way it is in heaven”?  “Is this what God intended for us to experience when He commanded us to love one another”?  Now months later, though muffled by time, I can still recall the comfort to my soul.  This elevated elation was taking place throughout the congregation.

Since the night of the dream, I have pondered its meaning.  I think I understand now what was happening.

Unraveling the Dream – A call to Love

Scripture speaks to us in numerous places about how important it is to hear what the Son has said in these last times.  Jesus said if we just hear and don’t DO, it is a recipe for failure (Matt.7:24-27).

As Bible believing followers of Christ, we understand that God IS love and we humans are created in His image.  We are commanded to love as He loves (sacrificially); Him first and foremost and each other in the same manner (Matt.22:36-40).  All the law God has put forth for mankind hangs (depends) on those two precepts (v 40).  Carrying one another’s burden’s fulfills the “LAW” of Christ (Gal.6:2).

When Jesus says, “I AM the way, the truth and the life”, what do we think He meant?  Throughout the Bible, from the beginning forward,  and in these last days by the Son, we hear God saying that MY WAY is to love (sacrificially).

Our (mankind) way is often to serve God by doing something that seems to us to be worthy of His approval (see Isaiah 58 and Rev. 2:1-5) but is missing the most important ingredient.  I believe with all my being that the Son is loudly calling out for us to hear Him in these last times:

“MY WAY IS SACRIFICIAL LOVE, NOT DUTIFUL SERVICE”

 The Lord is diligent in His desire that we hear Him.  Not easy to process but yet it IS the Word of God, if any worthwhile endeavor in His name is not flowing first out of a heart full of love for Him and for other people, it will count for NOTHING! (1 Cor. 13:1-3).  Paul said that in Christ Jesus, the only thing that matters is “faith activated and expressed and working through love” (Gal. 5:6).

To repeat for emphasis:   GOD’S WAY IS LOVE—–NOTHING ELSE WILL COUNT FOR ANYTHING

I believe that when we focus on just doing what the Son has said to do and actually do it, we receive the power to function as children of God (John 1:12).  It is a power that changes us into the image of Christ (2 Cor.3:18). The transforming power to change us into the image of Christ is the power of love, and the power of love is the power of God.

According to Ephesians 3:16-19, when we are “rooted and grounded in love” we will be so strengthened in our inner man (heart) that we will “experience” first hand for ourselves, the awesome power of God (Eph.3:16-19). 

When we have found that place, I submit to you, I believe we have found Zarephath!

Michael J Gibbs is the founder of Dawning Light Ministries.  A Christian for over sixty years, Michael resides in Colorado Springs, Co. with his wife of forty-eight years, Sue. They have a son and a daughter and four grandsons.  They all share a love for Jesus and the great outdoors.  Michael can be reached at mike@newlifeadvisorygroup.com