“Your old men will dream dreams,” writes the prophet Joel.

Of course, dreaming is not only for the old. Children dream—I dreamed of riding a horse across my own Texas ranch. Adolescents dream—of a cute girl or handsome guy. My college students dreamed—of the successful life that would come as a result of their academic efforts.

So what is the significance of the old dreaming?

Maybe, it’s because it’s unexpected. Older people are supposed to be looking back on life; dreaming looks forward. Dreaming is not nostalgic but hopeful. A dreamer doesn’t pine for what used to be, but envisions what can be, what will be.

Joel says the old dream when the Lord pours out his Spirit on all mankind.

Which must be happening now because this old man is dreaming dreams.