Scripture: “Now, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem saying: “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews; for we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him…
And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, (the wise men) departed to their own country by another way…
Now when (the wise men) had departed behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said…
But when Herod died behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying…
But when (Joseph) heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, (Joseph) was afraid to go there and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee.” Excerpts from Matt 2:1-2; v 12; v 13; v 19-20a; v 22.
Observation: Is the Lord the same yesterday, today, and forever? I think so, my faith rides on that He is unchangeable in all of His aspects, attributes, and promises. Why don’t I dream like these guys? What do they have that I don’t?
Application: Well, one answer could be they have a need. Insufficient answer, though.
Part of the believer’s tool box are signs and wonders—the supernatural aspect of Christianity. The prophet Joel: “And it shall come pass afterward that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions…” Joel 2:28. Luke repeats the same reference by Peter, talking to the local crowd in Acts 2 in his first sermon.
The wise men studied and while it is not indicated they were Jews, they saw the sign in the heavens. And then there were a series of dreams:
- Wise men: get out while the getting’s good;
- Joseph: Scram. Scram now.
- Joseph again: Your Egyptian vacation is over, pack up and come home BUT why don’t you relocate to Galilee while you are at it? It suits My Purpose…
Are dreams a part of the prophetic gifting package? Guys like Wayne Grudem seem to think so. Outside of a few brothers and sisters who are such enthusiastic practitioners they kind of give Gift stuff a sour taste in most folks mouth, there is a tremendous lack of SERIOUS and SOBER minded pursuit by Believers today.
Why then is this kind of intervention missing from my life? Who’s to say that it is missing? Maybe I am just deaf…
“He who has ears to hear, hear what the Spirit is saying…” From God’s lips to my stoney ears. This phrase isn’t just indicating a penchant for understanding—it is cultivating and directly encouraging my heart to hear his whisper.
Dreams can be visionary; visions. Dreams can also be indicative of directions. What is for sure from my perspective is that stuff like this need a few things: an earnest desire (see I Cor 14:1), and; a place and local church community to practice in.
For those folks who want to play at home, find someone to mentor with. Don’t take yourself seriously at first—a rookie, however talented and regarded, is still a rookie.
Prayer: Father: I appreciate the opportunity to see these phrases in Matt 2. And I thank You that once again You stir up my rocky heart to see visions of what can be. Like the other day I saw in Psalms 126, I can dream and when I see Your Hand, my mouth will drop and I will be filled with laughter, rejoicing in Your unstoppable move. I want to continue to soberly pursue, not to be deterred, what You say to chase in 1 Cor 14—whatever that means, and without preconceived notions. Help me, O God. AMEN.