Genesis 4-6, Psalm 2, Matthew 2
Dreams and their effects really jumped out at me from today's readings. In Matthew we're told that Joseph stays with Mary even though she is pregnant before they are married and have had sex because of a dream. The magi find the baby Jesus because of a dream. Joseph has a dream that causes him to flee to Egypt, and is warned of Herod's successor in a dream. Much like the Joseph of the Old Testament, Joseph of the New Testament finds God most clearly in his dreams. I find this odd because I rarely remember my dreams. I've been told that you remember dreams best if you write them down as soon as you wake up. I've tried this, but even then I only remember images. I think part of my problem comes from the fact that I wake up abruptly at 4:45 most mornings to the obnoxious sound of my alarm clock. I've also heard that if you wake up naturally you remember more. Not really an option for someone who has to get up so early. My internal clock DEFINITELY wouldn't wake me up at that hour.
So why dreams? Why doesn't God just come right out and talk to us. Tell us what to do. That would make more sense to me. I think part of it must be that we wouldn't believe it was real. I can honestly say I've never audibly heard the voice of God. I've felt things. I've been given signs. I've been inspired. I have never had a conversation with God as I do with other human beings. I won't deny the possibility of that happening, but I'm skeptical of anyone who says they've heard the voice of God. Dreams, however, always seem otherworldly. Anything can happen. Perhaps it's a way for God to speak with us without scaring the be-jeezes out of us. I'm not as faithful as Moses. If a burning bush started talking to me, I think I'd run away screaming. Reflecting on a dream, however, seems more reasonable.
Anyone else out there talk to God? Do you get messages in dreams? I've certainly had warnings and hope come to me in the form of dreams. We talked in our Bible Study class at church several weeks ago about listening to God's call. Knowing when God is calling you to do something. I think the hardest thing is just being open to the call. We have to actively listen. Joseph had the great fortune of being a dad when he was NOT expecting it. Perhaps that opened his heart to listen to God. We should do the same.
Can't wait to read your blog about Day 3. I always feel bad when I don't believe LITERALLY what's written in the Bible. This is one of those days.
ReplyDeleteNelda, I don't think you need to feel bad. The Bible isn't meant to be interpreted literally. I know your fundamentalists will say that's wrong, but in most Christian traditions the Bible is regarded as a text written by humans inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. That means that the Bible isn't necessarily an exact history or 100% factually true. It contradicts itself too much to be literal. That doesn't undermine its importance or the lessons it teaches, however. In the Episcopal church we are taught that all things necessary to salvation are found in scripture, and that Holy Scripture teaches us how we should live our lives. According to the catechism of the Episcopal Church, "We understand the meaning of the Bible by the help of the Holy Spirit, who guides the Church in the true interpretation of the Scriptures." That means we use our God-given reason to figure out what all of this means. We also figure it out in community as the Holy Spirit leads us.
ReplyDelete