Dreams and Signs

This morning I started reading from Matt 1, and was struck by the many times that Joseph was directed by the Lord in dreams.

(NIV)Matthew 1:20-21
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. [21] She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

(NIV)Matthew 2:13-14
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” [14] So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt,

(NIV)Matthew 2:19-22
After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt [20] and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” [21] So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. [22] But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee,

I was also thinking about the fact that the Magi from the East knew about Jesus birth, as they had observed the signs that pointed to it. Clearly they must have had some other reason to believe the star indicated the birth of Jesus, some prophetic message. Regardless they were aware of the signs, and came to Jerusalem inquiring. What really caught my eye was the fact that the Jewish chief priests and teachers knew exactly where Jesus was supposed to be born, but apparently had totally missed the signs that the men from the East had seen - see the following verses:

(NIV)Matthew 2:1-6
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem [2] and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
[3] When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. [4] When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. [5] “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: [6] “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”

So, I guess my question this morning is whether or not I am listening to the Lord, and applying what I already know? I am sure that in the hectic, fast paced world, I can easily miss, or not pay attention to the guidance from the Lord. I believe that God speaks to me in dreams - based on a solid scriptual record - and does use signs and His word to direct and guide our lives. The real question is whether or not I am listening, and looking?

Personally I do write down the dreams that I remember, that seem to have some Godly themes, and I study and read scripture plenty. I guess that is moving in the right direction, but I also know I have much to learn about listening to the Lord in my daily life, hearing Him speak to my heart, responding to His guidance and direction. Lord, I pray that You will help me learn to be a more effective listener, and to be more aware of Your Guidance and direction.