How should we respond to warnings from God, like Pilate's wife's dream? Setting the Scene “While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message: ‘Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today on account of Him.’ ” (Matthew 27:19) The Warning in Pilate’s Courtroom Pilate stood face-to-face with the Son of God and a clear warning arrived at the critical hour. He brushed it aside and consented to Christ’s crucifixion, sealing both political compromise and personal guilt. The narrative invites us to consider our own posture when God interrupts our plans. Why God Gives Warnings • Protection of His purposes (Genesis 20:3–7) • Mercy toward the hearer (Ezekiel 33:11) • Preservation of others affected by our decisions (Acts 27:9–24) • Advancement of His larger redemptive plan (Matthew 2:12–15) Kinds of Warnings We May Receive • Scripture illuminated by the Spirit (Psalm 119:105) • Preaching or godly counsel (Proverbs 11:14) • Inner conviction from the Holy Spirit (John 16:8) • Providential circumstances (2 Kings 17:13) • Dreams or visions, as with Pilate’s wife (Job 33:14-18) Biblical Examples to Learn From Responded Well • Joseph heeded Pharaoh’s dream revelation, saving nations (Genesis 41). • The Magi obeyed the warning in a dream, avoiding Herod (Matthew 2:12). • Paul redirected ministry plans after a night vision, reaching Macedonia (Acts 16:9-10). Ignored Warnings • Belshazzar scoffed at the handwriting on the wall and lost the kingdom (Daniel 5). • King Saul disregarded Samuel and forfeited his throne (1 Samuel 15). • Pilate hesitated, but ultimately ignored his wife’s plea (Matthew 27:24-26). Steps for Responding Well 1. Listen attentively. “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). 2. Test the warning by Scripture. “Test all things; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). 3. Seek wise counsel. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). 4. Obey promptly. “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). 5. Remain humble and repent where needed (Isaiah 66:2). Consequences of Ignoring Divine Caution • Personal regret and spiritual stagnation (Proverbs 1:24-31). • Harm to those under our influence (Joshua 7). • Loss of divine opportunities (Luke 19:41-44). • Heightened accountability before God (Luke 12:47-48). Living Ready to Hear • Cultivate daily time in the Word; the written voice of God sharpens spiritual hearing (Psalm 119:11). • Maintain a tender conscience by quick confession of sin (1 John 1:9). • Stay yielded to the Spirit; “do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19). • Keep fellowship with believers who can confirm or correct impressions (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Expect God to speak, and resolve beforehand to obey whatever He reveals (John 7:17). |
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