Dreams

 Dreams are so hard to remember once you start to wake up.  I've read there's all kind of scientific neurology that goes in to why we forget them so easily.  A few nights ago I dreamt about the lakehouse.  My family used to own a lakehouse near the Alabama / Georgia state line.  I think it was pretty much one of my favorite places in the world - so many good memories.  Although they sold it around 5 years ago, I still have recurring dreams there.  Sometimes in my dreamy state I realize we don't own it anymore and we're always staying there hoping that the new owners don't show up and catch us.

In the same scientific article I read it also talked about how dreams are also a way for our brain to encode memories and thoughts, and process out everything.  Weird, huh?

When the Bible mentions dreams, they are usually purposeful.  Involving some bizarre symbols and numerology.  I like the characters in those stories that are just like "uhh, I don't get it. Could someone explain this to me plainly?"  I think one of the things we can derive from the dreams of the bible is that those images are how God chose to speak to the people.  First, you have the face value of the symbols & images.

Secondly, it seems interesting that God's communication with humans seemed to slowly drift more distant.  In the beginning God himself (gender neutral intended) was in existence with Adam and Eve.  After the separation, either he would occasionally appear, or his voice would be heard.  Then, it seems there would be either an "Angel of the Lord" - a third party messenger on behalf of God - or a cryptic dream.

Dream interpretation and communication weigh heavily in Genesis and the Old Testament.  Just for example, the famous Jacob's Ladder dream (quite an image), and Joseph's dreams that he'll rule his brothers.  But what's neat to think about God and his nature of communication is that he also spoke to non-Hebrew/non-believers.  Joseph also interpreted Pharoah's dreams and the Pharoah in turn revered God, although to what extent we aren't sure.  Gideon, while spying on his future enemies, overheard some men discussing how they had a dream they were about to be conquered.  This assurance gave Gideon the confidence to lead his men to do so.  And then there's Daniel.  I have never read the book in earnest but glanced through it today - it looks extremely difficult!!  Anyhow, his interpretations for Nebuchadnezzar proved very influential - first it drove him mad, and then he came to his senses and acknowledged God.

In the new testament they are more rare, but Joseph dreamt about Mary's pregnancy.  Also there's the interesting inclusion of Pilate's wife - who told Pilate she had a foreboding dream about condemning Jesus.  This objection though, fell on deaf ears, and was not heeded.

To come full circle, it seems evident that God's final direct communication to earth was the physical and spiritual manifestation of Jesus.  That would kind of explain why we don't get the daily morning news from a booming voice in the sky.

I just thought it was interesting the way God chose to interact with humans in the Bible.  I don't know how any of it would figure in with today and if/when this kind of communication still exists.  But I think there is much more to glean from the text by studying that can shed more light on the topic and strengthen faith, rather than this very brief overview here.

As always the mystery and awe of the text draws me in...  the plot thickens.