I’ve had a few dreams in my life that I consider to have been from God; most were when I was younger, revelations about myself and God and what He would do in my life.

One night a few years ago, I dreamed a dream from the Lord, that I was on a mountain ledge, high up. A man climbed toward me and spoke, saying, “You might think the climb is done, but not until I’ve shown the next generation how to climb, and the Way to ascend.” Then he took me by the hand and climbed upward a ways, and after a time, he was gone, but I wasn’t alone. I found the next, and climbed with him, and after a time I was gone, but he went on. And this went on, generation by generation, the ascent of Mount Zion by the saints of God.

Sometimes there was slipping and backsliding, but always by the grace of God and the strength of the Holy Spirit, would come recovery through repentance and the ascent of faith in Jesus Christ. Until at last, came that final generation, reaching the summit; and as they extended their hands, the Lord himself reached down to help them up. As they came over that final step, they found every prior generation already there, joyously awaiting them, shouting and praising the Lord. Jesus himself made the first climb, so long ago; He opened the Way, and He is the Way, that we might follow ever upwards. We carry no heavy burdens, for we go with Him who is our Lord, yoked in His easy yoke, our burdens light, for Jesus took all upon himself, that we might live by faith alone.

“Who has performed and done this, calling the generations from the beginning?
I, the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.”
Isaiah 41:4

We aren’t meant to walk alone, but to live in fellowship with God’s children all around us, loving one another, encouraging and helping one another.

“I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
John 13:34-35

How sad for those children of God, who climb alone, with no other companions in the fellowship of Jesus Christ. How tragic that many are content, having reached a certain vantage point, to turn aside from the ascent and pursue their own interests. Even sadder is the example and encouragement they give to others to do the same.

We must be determined to know the Lord, to ever follow Him, always, teaching and encouraging others to do the same. Because that’s what we’ve been commanded to do:

“Jesus told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””
Matthew 28:18-20

God reveals the Way to each man, and whosoever will must walk his path with the Lord, following Jesus, taking up his cross daily, bearing his load, walking and working to completion his own salvation, through faithfulness and obedience to Jesus Christ.

“You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.”
2 Timothy 2:2

We must examine ourselves, and ask truthfully, who are we walking with? God intends we pass along a spiritual legacy, an example and encouragement to those coming along after us. Are we wisely investing in the next generation? Are we helping others to run the race well? Are we encouraging those ahead of us to finish well? Are we pacing ourselves, moving at the Lord’s pace, and cautious to stay the course, to finish with excellence?

Moreso, nearing our finish, can others come, having followed for a time, and take up the baton of the Gospel and Discipleship from us, carrying it forward to new generations?

Have we written down that vision from the Lord, that which He’s placed on our heart, that others might read it and run by faith to the fulfillment of God’s purpose?

Are we like the rich man, focused only on himself, building bigger barns to stash our loot? Or are we wise stewards, sharing all we have, teaching and proclaiming God’s goodness and faithfulness, bringing glory to our Lord and Master?

I can recall a few years ago my children’s elementary school celebrating the “advancing” of students, those who’d be moving up to Junior High when Fall came. My wife overheard some of the third graders calling things out to the older children going forward in the commencement. They were shouting, “you can do it! You’re going to do great!” to the older children, encouraging them as they walked forward into a new season of life.

Are we so filled with godly love for one another, that we’re freely encouraging everyone, all of God’s children, to keep on keeping on, to keep fighting the good fight, to keep running the race, to keep going on in faith with our Lord Jesus Christ? Do we love them, and Jesus, enough to help them all do so?

The Apostle John, nearing the end of his life, wrote these words of encouragement to the generations that would follow, including to you and I:

“I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus.

I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.

I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one.

I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father.

I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.

I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.”
1 John 2:12-14