In Matthew 2, just after the the telling of the birth of Jesus, the infamous King Herod is introduced, along with the wise men – or Magi. The Magi were searching for the newly born King of the Jews.
Usually, we see the wise men depicted in imagery as being in the stable nearly immediately after Jesus was born, kneeling or standing by the manger. Historically speaking though, it’s more likely that Jesus was nearly two years old when the wise men actually found him. The arrival of the Magi seems to have caused quite the stir. The quest for the newly born king was found out by King Herod, who was displeased (to say the least) that there was a rival for his throne. Herod tells the wise men to go find the newly born king and return to Jerusalem to report his whereabouts so that Herod could also go and worship this fulfillment of ancient prophecies.
Once the Magi found Joseph, Mary and Jesus, we learn that they were told in a dream not to return to Jerusalem to report to Herod where they had found the child. So when they left they did not return the way the had come. Then, in verse 13, we learn that “after they [the wise men] had left an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream ‘get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt,'” (Matt 2:13). And Joseph did just that. He got up and took his family away – immediately.
Both the Magi and Joseph are “told” what they need to do in dreams. I think we all can agree that dreams can be weird. I doubt that anyone would make the argument that every dream we have should be viewed as some kind of command or message to take action. But in the case of Joseph and the wise men, their hearts and minds were open and receptive – listening for wisdom. Whether it comes in a dream, following prayer, through conversation with a trusted friend, or just as a conviction in your heart – God speaks to us. It may sometimes be labelled as “instinct” or a gut feeling, but I believe it is there.
Pray that God will cause your hearts, minds, ears and eyes to be open to Him. Listen for the commands – and take action. God speaks to us through his word, through the advice of trusted and faithful friends, and more.