Dream-time in the Bible? See Matthew chapter two. The three distinguished visitors evaded Herod’s executioners because they had had a tip-off in a dream. With them out of the way Joseph had a dream: an angel urged him to seek safety in Egypt. Herod died and Joseph had another dream, He was advised by an angel that it was all clear to move back to his homeland. This was countermanded in yet another dream to move again, this time to Galilee.
There are plenty of other references to dreams in the Old and New Testaments but here we have a starting-point for thinking about how important dreams are or should be in shaping our Christian faith and behaviour.
There is no implication in this chapter that we should expect to be guided by dreams, as Joseph and others were. This was a private matter that Joseph was prepared to make more widely known.
Nor is there any hint that when we have a decision to make, we should allow out sub-conscious to point the way. We have all had experience of dreams that have a remarkable authenticity. They are as compelling as a day-time incident. Even if they usually fly forgotten at the opening day, they have a quality that sometimes makes them linger powerfully in the memory. This should not be allowed to become a habit conveying direct insight into God’s intention for us or for other people.
Conscience has its place. An enlightened conscience, that is. And conscience comes to life when we contemplate the words of Scripture. It is unlikely that an enlightened conscience will lead us to do something harmful or damaging to others. It is much more likely that its promptings will be trivialised into minor amendments to a church programme or its budget.
NORTHAMPTON BIBLE SCHOOL
St Giles’s church, Northampton conducts a Bible school. Its website has a Bible school page on which 40-55-minute presentations from the course are available. ‘Come and see,’ says its website. And it adds: If you don’t wish to come in person join us online. Leading a strong team in a church with a full programme, the Vicar, Steve Kelly, says: ‘Here at St Giles, we want to do everything we can … to grow in depth, maturity and fruitfulness.’
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