Law Enforcement

 

I recently had a dream in which it was my first day of work as a police officer. As I was a rookie, I was surprised that I had not been assigned a training officer or partner and also that I had not been issued a gun or any other weapon.

There had been intel that the city where I worked was under a terrorist threat targeting the subway system. My assignment was to travel on the city subway lines and trams and to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.

As I was expecting a rundown, dirty transportation system in dire need of repair, similar to those in most major cities, I was shocked when I entered the outdoor plaza of the central hub. It was immaculate in upkeep and futuristic in design. Each car was transparent, made of plexiglass, bullet-shaped, and trimmed in chrome that gleamed in the sunlight.

There were no ticket takers or transit card punchers, so I entered one of the cars as the doors magically swept open as I approached. I chose a seat near the end of the car, where I thought I would have a better vantage point in the event of trouble. But to my surprise, the car was deserted, as were the platforms at every stop.

The train traveled at great speed, through subway tunnels and on overhead rails suspended above the city, yet gracefully slid to a stop at every station, decelerating almost instantaneously. Finally it reached the end of the line, and I exited the car to a large plaza that was also deserted. As there had been no maps onboard the train and no announcements of stations or routes, I was relieved to see a large, freestanding poster containing a map. But I didn’t recognize any of the station names, so there didn’t seem to be any choice but to get back on the train.

Finally there was a passenger – only one – an older woman stretched out on the bench seat at the back of the car. Her tight-fitting velvet gown accentuating her ample curves, teased hair, overdone makeup, stiletto heels and provocative pose made me wonder if she was a madam.

“I know what you’re thinking, dearie, but you would be wrong,” she purred.  “You can’t judge a book by its cover.”

Even in the dream, her comment reminded me of Scripture stating that only God knows the hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). In any event, it seemed safe to assume that this woman was not involved in any sort of terrorist plot. As I considered my first day at work in law enforcement, I was thankful that I had not encountered any violence, suspicious activity, or even any type of confrontation.

When I was awake and contemplated the spiritual applications of the dream, I considered that every Christian is to be involved in law enforcement, meaning upholding God’s Law and the Ten Commandments (Psalm 119; Exodus 20:1-17). Once we are saved by trusting in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6), His Holy Spirit indwells us (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13), empowering us to flee temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13) and resist the devil (James 4:7).

Although Christians benefit from Godly counsel and fellowship (Proverbs 27:17) and sound teaching and preaching (Romans 10:14), the Holy Spirit is our primary Guide, Counselor, Comforter and Teacher (John 14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7). In the dream I had no earthly training officer or partner, as I was to be led by the Holy Spirit.

God has given us His Word to hide in our heart that we would not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). The weapons of our warfare to enforce His Law are spiritual, not carnal (2 Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 6:12), and involve putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17) before we even leave the house, and preferably before we even get out of bed! In the dream, I had no gun or other weapon to enforce the law, emphasizing that this is a spiritual battle.

In the days of Moses, breaking the law was often punishable by death (Exodus 21). In the New Testament, James wrote that whoever is guilty of breaking any part of the law is guilty of transgressing the entire law (James 2:10-11). This explains why no human can enter Heaven without faith in Christ, as all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

Jesus Christ made this standard even more impossible for man to meet, as He said that violating the law even in thought and not in deed was a sin. Whoever looked at another with lust was guilty of adultery, and whoever got angry was guilty of murder in their heart (Matthew 5:22,27).

But thankfully, He fulfilled the law perfectly on our behalf, through His perfect law of liberty (James 1:25). Whoever trusts in Him has His righteousness credited to their spiritual account, and their sins paid for in full by Christ’s suffering on the cross (Romans 4:6-22; 3:25).

Although we are to be spiritually discerning and speak the truth in love, confronting another’s sin according to Biblical principles (Matthew 18:15-17), Jesus Christ warns us not to judge, for only He knows the hearts (Matthew 7:1-5). In the dream, I jumped to the wrong conclusion about the subway passenger, who then reminded me of this principle. Christ Himself did not condemn the woman caught in adultery and told her accusers to cast the first stone only if they themselves were free of sin (John 8:1-11).  

In the dream, the immaculately clean, futuristic city and transit system suggested the heavenly City, or New Jerusalem, that will be beyond compare and beyond imagination (Revelation 21:2; 1 Corinthians 2:9). The trains were nearly empty, reflecting Christ’s words that the gate to Heaven is narrow (Matthew 7:13-14), and that few will enter it as He is the only Way (John 14:6). There were no ticket takers or transit card punchers, indicating that we cannot buy or work our way to Heaven, for we are saved only by grace through faith, and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

On my first day as a police officer in the dream, I had very little to do, as no laws were being broken! Clearly this was no earthly city, where crime runs rampant because of man’s sin nature inherited from Adam in the fall (1 Corinthians 15:45; Romans 5:12).

Praise God, in Heaven there will be no need for police, first responders, doctors, nurses, counselors, or undertakers, for our glorified bodies will never sin, age, die or experience pain, sorrow or sickness!  (1 Corinthians 15:35-50). In the meantime, may we yield to His Holy Spirit to keep the law ourselves and to refrain from judging others, for only God knows the hearts!

Copyright Laurie Collett 2025

The Feast

 

Photo by DimiTalen 2019

Many decades ago, my father had the opportunity to meet the owner of a castle in Ireland which he had converted to a luxury hotel. Although their meeting occurred in a business-related situation, the two became fast friends. The castle owner was extremely generous, and on several occasions gifted my parents with airfare to Ireland and a week’s stay at his elegant establishment.

Sadly, my parents and the hotel owner are no longer living, but my husband, son, daughter-in-law and I were blessed to visit the castle several years ago, thoroughly enjoying our stay and making many wonderful memories.

With that as background, I recently dreamed that I was staying at the castle and wanted to express my appreciation to the owner for his hospitality to my parents. I decided that I would offer to cook him a special meal, and he accepted the invitation.

But as the day approached, my anxiety grew. What could I possibly prepare that would be a treat for the owner of a Michelin-rated restaurant? Where would I shop for the ingredients, and where would I do the cooking and plating?

I decided to ask the restaurant manager for suggestions. To my relief, he invited me to use his kitchen for my culinary endeavors and assured me that his staff would procure whatever was on my shopping list.

On the appointed day, I prepared dinner for two – simple, yet I hoped it would be tasty. Pleased with my efforts, I was leaving the kitchen when the restaurant manager approached me.

“Have you invited the owner’s family?” he asked.

“Why, no,” I stammered in embarrassment.

“The owner always dines with his relatives and staff, whom he considers to be his extended family,” the manager pointed out.

Crestfallen, I was ashamed of my lack of foresight and inability to provide such a huge repast.

“Don’t worry,” he said gently. “We’ll take the dinner you prepared and make it work!”

So I thanked him and went to my room to change into a formal gown appropriate for dinner at a castle!

That evening, hundreds of guests, all dressed in their best attire, filed into the vast dining hall. Every table was set with crisply starched white linens, fine gold-rimmed china, Waterford crystal goblets, sterling silver flatware, and crimson rose bouquets. The candelabra were all lit, reflecting light from the full suits of armor arranged along the mahogany walls, as if on guard to protect the guests. Flags of many nations hung regally in between each knight’s armor.

The food I had prepared sat in the middle of a long serving table, yet it had miraculously increased to be able to feed the hundreds of guests in attendance. Surrounding it were a myriad of platters, tureens and serving dishes containing roasts, vegetables, seafood, appetizers, desserts and other gourmet delicacies that looked and smelled heavenly!

As I marveled at the abundant provision to which I had made such a minute contribution, I awoke feeling thankful yet humbled by the dream. It reminded me that God will always use what we give back to Him, whether our time, talent, or treasure, and multiply it to bless others.

I believe the castle owner represented God the Father, who blesses us exceedingly abundantly beyond what we could ever imagine or think (Ephesians 3:20), because He gives to us according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). The restaurant manager may have symbolized Jesus Christ His Son, the earthly manifestation of the Father (John 14:7-9) Who draws others to God. In addition, the manager may represent any faithful steward who wisely uses his God-given resources to lead others to the Lord and to encourage them in His work (Luke 12:42; 1 Corinthians 4:2).

Jesus told of a man who ordered his servants to invite guests to his feast from the highways and hedges, because those who should have attended were too busy or had other poor excuses for missing it (Luke 14:16-24). In my dream, the manager was a faithful steward who expanded the attendance of the feast from merely two to a huge crowd, all of whom could be nourished both physically and spiritually.

Jesus fed the multitudes through the miracles of the loaves and fishes, in each case using a humble gift from a person of modest means (Matthew 14:14-21; 15:29-38). He honored the monetary donation of the widow far beyond that of the much larger gifts of the wealthy, even though she gave only a mite worth barely a penny, because it was all she had (Mark 12:41-44).

It doesn’t matter how much or how little we think we have. Once we are saved by trusting in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6), we will be rewarded for and others will be blessed by any resources we give back to Him with the right motive (1 Corinthians 3:10-15).

At the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9), believers of all nations will dine sumptuously as we celebrate the union of the Church, or body and bride of Christ, with her Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. The suits of armor in the dream may represent faithful prayer warriors who fought bravely in the battles of spiritual warfare, putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), and the flags the saints from many kindreds and nations (Revelation 7:9).

When we make it our mission to use what He has given us to glorify Him and show His love to others, He will empower us, opening doors, providing us with what we need, and showing the way. Praise God that His strength is made perfect in our weakness! (2 Corinthians 12:9).

We can’t outgive God! May we use His gifts wisely to honor Him and bless others!

© 2024 Laurie Collett

Don’t Miss the Bus!

Photo by Vin09 2016

I dreamed that I am attending medical school in a large city and must attend a clinical rotation in one of the suburbs. There is a bus that goes from the downtown campus to a bus terminal, where I have to catch a second bus to the suburban medical facility.

After I arrive at the bus terminal I think there is plenty of time before departure of the second bus, so I wander around and then sit down to chat with someone. Suddenly I hear an announcement that the second bus is leaving, but I’m nowhere near the gate.

I take off running in such a hurry that I leave my bag and shoes behind. I know I can’t go into the hospital barefoot, so I step into a pair of sandals that I see in a waiting area. I continue running to the gate, stumbling awkwardly because the sandals are too big.

I finally arrive at the gate and ask the woman at the counter if the bus is still there. She’s says it’s already left; there is no other way to get there; and the next bus returning to the downtown campus won’t be until this evening.

I realize that I won’t be able to fulfill my responsibility at the clinical rotation; that I have no choice but to wait and then return home; and that I haven’t eaten all day or even had any water. There is a café near the gate and self-serve food set up, but I have no money because I lost the bag that I left behind where I had stopped to chat. The woman feels sorry for me and gives me a cup with crushed mint in it, and also her loose change, which is a quarter and a nickel. But I can’t buy anything with these, so I just wait.

I awoke with a sense of regret at the missed opportunity to minister to the sick at the clinical rotation and felt that I had failed to keep a divine appointment. This feeling is sadly rather pervasive these days, as the pandemic has blocked many opportunities for in-person service, such as our dance ministry, my teaching a ladies’ Bible class, and being able to singin church.

But truth be told, each of us who has been saved through trusting in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6) has missed many such opportunities, perhaps even daily. Not because of the pandemic or other outward circumstances, but rather because of our sin nature (Romans 7:5; 13-25) that leads us to quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19) and to ignore His still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12).

If we do this long enough or often enough, our conscience will become seared (1 Timothy 4:2) and our heart hardened (Isaiah 63:17; Mark 6:52; John 12:40) so that we are unfit for God’s service (1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Timothy 2:20-21) until we repent and start the journey back to His perfect will. Thankfully, as soon as we take the first step, He comes running to greet us with open arms, like the loving Father in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:20).

How did I allow myself to miss the opportunity presented in the dream? First, by being lulled into a false sense of security. I thought I had more time than I actually did and felt no compunction about frittering it away in aimless wandering (Numbers 32:13; Psalm 119:10; Proverbs 27:8) and idle words (Matthew 12:36). I failed to redeem the time (Ephesians 5:16) at my disposal by not preparing for the ministry opportunity and making sure I was where I needed to be at the right time.

In fact, I got so comfortable that I had actually taken off my shoes and lost track of my bag, which contained not only what I needed to sustain me on the journey, but also the tools needed for medical ministry. We must beware of scenic overlooks, of becoming so at ease with the more relaxed pace of home isolation or other involuntary rest periods  that we shirk our responsibilities altogether, as did David when his idleness snowballed into lust, adultery, deception and murder (2 Samuel 11).

What if Jesus had not taken seriously the divine appointments His Father had prepared for Him? Had He not taken the long, arduous journey to Samaria to meet with the woman at the well, she would not have been saved, and neither would have most of her village come to know that Jesus is the Messiah through her testimony (John 4).

While we are waiting for God’s perfect timing to let us know when to resume our usual ministries, it must be a time of mental, physical, and spiritual preparation. We must put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18), girding up our loins with the truth so we are ready to run the moment He commands it. We must have our feet shod with the Gospel of the preparation of peace, rather than lounging around barefoot. I was so ill prepared for the departure that I had to step into someone else’s poorly fitting shoes and could not run fast enough to catch the bus, let alone run the race God has set before us (1 Corinthians 9:24-26).

We must not be like the foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) who were unprepared for the Bridegroom’s imminent return, representing Christ’s return for His church at the Rapture (1 Corinthians 15:22-23; 51-54). They could not go to the wedding feast because they had let their lamps run out of oil, representing the Holy Spirit Who enters each believer at the moment of salvation (2 Corinthians 1:22). Losing my bag and having no money in the dream parallels this important lesson taught by Jesus. Even my borrowing someone else’s shoes was like the foolish virgins trying to get oil from the wise virgins, but to no avail.

Although I was physically hungry and thirsty in the dream, the woman I encountered did not provide for my physical needs, but instead gave me spiritual reminders to bring me closer to understanding my purpose in this journey. The cup of crushed mint reminds me of Jesus’ assurance that if we give even a cup of water in His Name, He will reward us for it as if we had given it to Him directly (Mark 9:41).

Yet the cup of crushed mint was not something I could eat or drink, but rather a reminder of His body, crushed for our sins (Isaiah 53:5), and the cleansing power of His sacrifice (1 John 1:7,9). Mint is a purifying herb similar to hyssop (Psalm 51:7; Hebrews 9:19), which was given to Jesus as He suffered on the cross (John 19:29).

The spare change the woman gave me was insufficient to purchase any food, yet the quarter and nickel brought to mind the thirty pieces of silver Judas received to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:15; 27:3). In the end he realized this blood money was of no use to him, as he was consumed by guilt, tried to return it, and ultimately hanged himself (Matthew 27:5).

It made me think that each time we miss a divine appointment, we are guilty of a similar betrayal, although perhaps to a lesser degree. Judas worked and lived with Jesus for three years, seeing His miracles and hearing His teachings first hand, yet failed to recognize Him as Lord and Savior.

Christ’s Holy Spirit lives within all those who are saved, and so often He gives us the opportunity to experience the fruit of His grace, mercy, love and provision by working through us. If we let it slip by, it is a momentary rejection of His perfect will for us, for which we will suffer loss of eternal rewards, but not loss of our salvation (1 Corinthians 3:10-15).

While awaiting Jesus Christ’s imminent return in these End Times, may we make good use of each precious moment, redeeming the time (Colossians 4:5) by listening to and following His voice and doing His perfect will (John 10:27). May we not lose any opportunity to do His work and share His Word, so that when we see Him face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12), He can say “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23)

© 2020 Laurie Collett