LIVING AS FAITHFUL PEOPLE
God's Protection
Joseph Finds Favor
Genesis 41:14-16, 25-36
The Message
15 "I dreamed a dream," Pharaoh told Joseph. "Nobody can interpret it. But I've heard that just by hearing a dream you can interpret it."
16 Joseph answered, "Not I, but God. God will set Pharaoh's mind at ease."
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25-27
Joseph said to Pharaoh, "Pharaoh's two dreams both mean the same thing.
God is telling Pharaoh what he is going to do. The seven healthy cows
are seven years and the seven healthy ears of grain are seven
years—they're the same dream. The seven sick and ugly cows that followed
them up are seven years and the seven scrawny ears of grain dried out
by the east wind are the same—seven years of famine.
28-32 "The meaning is what I said earlier: God is letting Pharaoh in on what he is going to do. Seven years of plenty are on their way throughout Egypt. But on their heels will come seven years of famine, leaving no trace of the Egyptian plenty. As the country is emptied by famine, there won't be even a scrap left of the previous plenty—the famine will be total. The fact that Pharaoh dreamed the same dream twice emphasizes God's determination to do this and do it soon.
33-36 "So, Pharaoh needs to look for a wise and experienced man and put him in charge of the country. Then Pharaoh needs to appoint managers throughout the country of Egypt to organize it during the years of plenty. Their job will be to collect all the food produced in the good years ahead and stockpile the grain under Pharaoh's authority, storing it in the towns for food. This grain will be held back to be used later during the seven years of famine that are coming on Egypt. This way the country won't be devastated by the famine."
28-32 "The meaning is what I said earlier: God is letting Pharaoh in on what he is going to do. Seven years of plenty are on their way throughout Egypt. But on their heels will come seven years of famine, leaving no trace of the Egyptian plenty. As the country is emptied by famine, there won't be even a scrap left of the previous plenty—the famine will be total. The fact that Pharaoh dreamed the same dream twice emphasizes God's determination to do this and do it soon.
33-36 "So, Pharaoh needs to look for a wise and experienced man and put him in charge of the country. Then Pharaoh needs to appoint managers throughout the country of Egypt to organize it during the years of plenty. Their job will be to collect all the food produced in the good years ahead and stockpile the grain under Pharaoh's authority, storing it in the towns for food. This grain will be held back to be used later during the seven years of famine that are coming on Egypt. This way the country won't be devastated by the famine."
For Reflection
In spite of being imprisoned and a slave, Joseph prepares himself to honor the Pharaoh. He assigns his talent to God and acts as a priest to Pharaoh. Joseph not only interprets the dream but sets a course to make the Pharaoh appear as a wise and great leader.
The key here is that Joseph, in humility, rejects the temptation to be bitter and exact retributive justice. Instead, Joseph honors the Pharaoh and offers good advice. Joseph sacrifices self for the good of God's Kingdom. This is God's grace at work through Joseph.
Pray
that you will continue to sacrifice your self image in service to God. Pray for the wisdom of Joseph. Pray for the patience of Joseph. Pray for the strength of faith of Joseph.
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