Moment of Meditation: Bad Dream (Matthew 27:19)

''Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream." (Matthew 27:19)''

Who hasn't had a nightmare? Someone chasing you. Being lost somewhere that looks familiar but really isn't. Monsters and demons. We're not told what type of nightmare Pilate's wife had. We just know it gave her the impression that Jesus was the reason.

She sends a message to her husband, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man." In the midst of all the accusations against Jesus, a typically disinterested third party declares Him righteous. Soeone completely distant from the proceedings proclaims Him righteous.

Jesus doesn't want remote proclamations. Jesus wants close proclamations. While Pilate's wife proclaims Jesus righteous, this is the same as when the demons early in His ministry would call Him the Son of God. Distant proclamation emphasizes the distance between Jesus and proclaimer.

Jesus wants no distance. That is why He calls each Christian brother and sister. Children of His heavenly Father. He wants closeness between Himself and His followers. Those who are closest to Him are those He wants to hear proclaim His righteousness. He chose Apostles to begin the Church. He sends pastors to preach in His Church.

Pilate's wife's dream brought her to proclaim. But salvation through Jesus isn't a bad dream. It's the dream of all mankind since Adam come true. Jesus has made it come true for you. Amen.