How God guides when there are not definite scriptures to direct us
W Brockmeier
Joseph, the son of Jacob, had two dreams that are recorded in Scripture. Joseph, the husband of Mary the mother of Jesus, had four.
God often speaks through dreams. "For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; then He openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, that He may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man." Job33:14-1714For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. 15In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; 16Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, 17That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. (Job33:14‑17). However, God's primary means of speaking to man today is through His Word. "The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath My word, let him speak My word faithfully." Jer.23:2828The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord. (Jeremiah23:28). We should never rely upon a dream for direction when God's Word gives definite instruction. To be governed by dreams is to be guided by circ*mstances and is not walking by faith (2Cor.5:77(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (2Corinthians5:7)). There are many things in our lives, however, for which we do not have a specific scripture to guide us. To know God's mind requires humility and nearness to the Lord. "The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way.... What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall He teach in the way that He shall choose.... The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him." Psa.25:9-149The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. 10All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. 11For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great. 12What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. 13His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. 14The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant. (Psalm25:9‑14).
In the four dreams of Joseph who is introduced in Matt.1:1616And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. (Matthew1:16), we see some principles of Scripture illustrated as to how God guides when there are not definite scriptures to direct us. In each of Joseph's dreams he was directed to do something, and in each case he did not move until he received a word from God. He did not act on impulse, but rather waited patiently upon God.
FIRST DREAM
When Mary, his espoused wife, was found to be with child of the Holy Ghost, Joseph was unaware that she was the chosen vessel to bear "the desire of women," that is, the Messiah. (Dan.11:3737Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. (Daniel11:37).) "Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost." Matt.1:19,2019Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew1:19‑20).
As Joseph pondered the matter before God, he was given instruction that must have thrilled his soul. How tragic it would have been if he had acted hastily and rashly, being guided only by appearances. "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." John7:2424Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. (John7:24). The evidence seemed indisputable, but Joseph did not act until God spoke to him.
SECOND DREAM
The second dream Joseph received was like the dream the wise men received from God who warned them to return to their country another way. The wise men had been given definite direction from God to return to the East. Joseph did not follow their lead, but waited until God spoke to him by a dream and told him to take Mary and the child Jesus to Egypt.
How often we see others guided in a certain way which may very well be the mind of God for them. We may be tempted to follow them, rather than wait for God's special direction for us. We should not follow others in their exercises, but must be before God ourselves. It may be God will guide us similarly, but the will of God must be taken up individually.
Joseph obeyed the heavenly direction, and as a result Jesus could come forth out of Egypt and so fulfill prophecy (Hos.11:11When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. (Hosea11:1)).
THIRD DREAM
While Joseph was in Egypt, Herod died. It would seem that Joseph would now feel clear to return to Bethlehem as the threat of danger was past. But again, Joseph waited to be directed of God. How often we presumptuously assume providence is ordering for us because of favorable circ*mstances. Sometimes this is the case, but sometimes it is not, as seen in Jonah who in disobedience fled to Tarshish. Joseph was not moved by favorable conditions, but waited in dependence upon God. "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Rom.14:2323And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (Romans14:23).
When he arrived back in the land of Israel, he heard Herod's son Archelaus was reigning. This caused him fear, but as he was led of God to return to the land of Israel, not being governed by favorable circ*mstances, he now waited for another message from God. He did not move in fear because of unfavorable conditions. Often we move in fear and not in faith, but this is not how God guides. "The fear of man bringeth a snare." Prov.29:2525The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe. (Proverbs29:25).
FOURTH DREAM
Perhaps it would seem only prudent to go elsewhere, and so it was. Joseph's departure to Nazareth, however, was not merely a move based on sound logic, but in subjection to the Lord.
Joseph was led of God at each step, moving in dependence and obedience. How we need to wait upon God in lowliness and humility seeking His direction rather than being guided by appearances, the movements of others, presumption, or fear.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and
lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and
He shall direct thy paths.
Prov.3:5,65Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs3:5‑6)
