S) "19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, 'Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.'"
Matthew 27:19 (NASB)
O) This passage is significant for two main reasons. The first, most obvious reason, is that Pontius Pilate did not heed this advice, but instead gave Jesus over to the Pharisees for crucifixion. The second significant thing about this passage, is that the advice was coming from his wife. There are a few things to point out about that. First, this was during a time when women were not equals to men. Even a wealthy, "powerful" woman was only partially considered a Roman citizen. They were not allowed to hold civil/political office. So, she had to overstep a very clear boundry to tell Pilate her advice on this matter, especially with such difinitive finality; she left no room for interpretation or debate about her opinion. Second, she must've known how much of a long-shot it was to even mention her dream, but clearly God had left such an indellable impression, that she was simply overwhelmed by her conviction to speak up. Third, I think that God, because He values and blesses marriages even outside His own people (the principle of "one flesh" predates His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), I think He knew that speaking through Pilate's wife was the best shot at getting Pilate's attention. Certainly, Jesus was going to be crucified no matter what, to fulfill the prophecies, but I truly think that God was trying to allow Pilate a way to escape guilt; an escape he failed to take.
A) First of all, I live in a culture that values women much more than the Romans did, although sexism and all of its negative connotations, still exists. Furthermore, I personally hold my wife in the highest regard. Even before returning to God and serving Him together with Kristin, I valued her intelligence and insights (but, without a doubt, I value her much more since we've been ministering and serving the Lord together). Specifically, I now realize that she has a much different wisdom and insight than I do. She also has quite a few spiritual gifts that I lack (evidence of our perfect balance and match for eachother!). Even in my general respect for her in these ways, I still need to make careful, deliberate decisions to consider her advice and opinions regarding all things concerning our lives and the lives of our loved ones. Even if she doesn't feel such a strong conviction about something, as Pilate's wife felt, her counsel should be one of the first that I seek.
P) Father, thank You for giving me a wife that is such a blessing to me. I cannot imagine my life without her and I feel grateful everyday that You allowed us to become one, in pure grace, since we weren't even actively submitted to You at the time. It is pure grace that I have her; an intelligent, considerate, compassionate, insightful, and wise wife. Holy Spirit, continue to speak to me directly, the will of the Father. Whether through dreams, or the Word, or my wife, help me be alert and aware of Your voice. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) First of all, I live in a culture that values women much more than the Romans did, although sexism and all of its negative connotations, still exists. Furthermore, I personally hold my wife in the highest regard. Even before returning to God and serving Him together with Kristin, I valued her intelligence and insights (but, without a doubt, I value her much more since we've been ministering and serving the Lord together). Specifically, I now realize that she has a much different wisdom and insight than I do. She also has quite a few spiritual gifts that I lack (evidence of our perfect balance and match for eachother!). Even in my general respect for her in these ways, I still need to make careful, deliberate decisions to consider her advice and opinions regarding all things concerning our lives and the lives of our loved ones. Even if she doesn't feel such a strong conviction about something, as Pilate's wife felt, her counsel should be one of the first that I seek.
P) Father, thank You for giving me a wife that is such a blessing to me. I cannot imagine my life without her and I feel grateful everyday that You allowed us to become one, in pure grace, since we weren't even actively submitted to You at the time. It is pure grace that I have her; an intelligent, considerate, compassionate, insightful, and wise wife. Holy Spirit, continue to speak to me directly, the will of the Father. Whether through dreams, or the Word, or my wife, help me be alert and aware of Your voice. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment