by Mr. Francis D'Souza
The first reading on Pentecost Sunday was from the Acts of the Apostles verse Act 2:17(the same is quoted by Peter from the book of the Prophet Joel 2:28)
In these scriptures the Gifts of the Spirit i.e Charisms ‘Tongues’ and ‘Prophecy’ are mentioned. But note two other words ‘dreams’ and ‘visions’.
As God speaks to us in tongues and prophecy, He also communicates with us in dreams and visions.
In fact God’s desire is not only to live among His people but also communicate with them.(Gen 3:8)
· God communicates with us in various ways. (Heb 1:1)
· He communicates with us in visions and dreams.
(1 Sam 3:1, Num 12:7)
1. A dream is a domain of experience, having an intellectual, ethical, and spiritual significance.
2. Dreams are a series of events playing in the mind.
The difference between a ‘dream’ and a ‘vision’ is that dreams occur only during sleep, while visions can happen while a person is awake. (Vision of Daniel : Dan 10:7-9)
The purpose of visions and dreams is to give guidance and direction to God's servants and to foretell the future.
· Daniel: Dan 8:1,17
· Joseph: Mat 1:20-21, 2:13-15, 2:19-20
· Ananias: Act 9:10-12
· Paul: Act 16:9-10,18:9-11
Caution in connection with dreams and visions
· Too much reliance is not to be placed upon dreams(Eccl 5:7)
· Dreams and its interpretations are not to be listened to if they teach anything contrary to the law. (Deu 13:1-3)
· To rely on dreams is like grasping a shadow or chasing the wind (Sir 34:1-8) (note however the word ‘UNLESS’ in Sirach 34:6)
Possibilities of false visions
· Jer 14:14
· Jer 23:16
Benefits of dreams and visions
· Lives of Daniel, his friends, and all the wise men were saved. Answer to king’s dream came in a vision to Daniel. (Dan 2)
· Plan of salvation furthered because Joseph conducted himself according to the instructions received in dreams. (Matt 1, 2)
· Paul, the greatest missionary was launched because Ananias carried out the instructions to minister to Paul in a vision.(Act 9)
· The Gospel was carried beyond the boundaries of Israel when the Centurion of he Italian regiment, Cornelius was ministered by Peter. Both of them were instructed in dreams. (Act 10)
· Doors were opened for Paul’s ministry in Macedonia. (Act16)
· Paul received encouragement from the Lord when going through tough times. (Act19)
How to handle dreams and visions?
· Don’t be overscruplous
This will give rise to fear, anxiety, panic etc. etc., and these things are not from God.
· Pray for protection and gifts of discernment, wisdom.
· Consult wise, discerning and experienced persons.
· See it in the light of God’s word
Remember a vision or a dream that is genuine will never contradict God’s word. (Deut 13:1-3)
· Pray and earnestly desire these gift
Dreams and visions can be an extension of the gift of prophecy and word of knowledge. All these are given to build up the community.(1Cor 12:7.)
· Make a note of the dreams and visions
Study them vis- a- vis the world events. Special attention must be paid if a particular dream or vision is recurring too often.
Amen!!!