One of the most consistent and amazing testimonies coming from Muslim background followers of Jesus is that their first introduction to Jesus came through visions or dreams.  I was reminded of this again while reading "The Camel, How Muslims are Coming to Faith in Christ" (www.camelmethod.com).  Dreams and visions are so common that one way of beginning to talk about Jesus is to simply ask, "Have you been having any dreams?"

These dreams are often of a man blazing with light like Jesus transfigured on the Mountain or Jesus described by John in Revelation one.  Some of the dreamers have literally no idea of who the man in their dreams is but after a short "introduction" most readily acknowledge Him to be Jesus  and many become radical, fearless disciples.  After sovereign encounters with Jesus two such young men  began a movement which has become a million baptized disciples.  One of these two men died as a martyr.  The movement continues!

In thinking about these things, the vision of the risen, glorious Jesus has engaged my heart afresh.

Yes, He is the healer, the provider, the deliverer, the propitiation for sin.   He is all these but so much more.  Maybe part of our tendency to emphasize an aspect of the Kingdom that fits our need or our gifting or our culture (until it becomes a caricature or downright error!) is due to the fact that we have an inadequate revelation of the King?

Maybe we like the bits and pieces because we feel in control?  For example why do we drive hard on the all the scriptures about faith and blessing but ignore all those that speak of suffering?  If God blesses me because He is good, does that mean He is bad when I suffer?  

He is the Lion from the Tribe of Judah and the Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world.  Lost in the wonder of such a person, some "were tortured , not accepting deliverance that they might obtain a better resurrection" (Hebrews 11:35).   Could you be commended for  " joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have  a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven (Hebrews 10:34).  Hebrews 11 talks of what heros of the faith accomplished and then speaks of those who died in faith without seeing the promise fulfilled.  Fullness of faith may not fulfill the promises.   Fulfillment of faith is Jesus alone in every circumstance.

Persecution, suffering and martyrdom make us feel vulnerable and helpless.

That is why we need to see Jesus.

Hebrews 2:8- 9