Tag: Genesis 41-44
Divine timing brings promotion!
Scripture reading for January 16: Genesis 41-44
The lottery is a big thing in our land. People play the lottery because they hope to become rich overnight! If their “lucky number” is drawn, they could become an instant millionaire! Of course, some do win but the statistical odds are not in your favor. Those who do win, find that “dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” (Proverbs 13:11) Those with a Christian worldview understand the lie behind the lottery. There is a something other than luck behind Joseph in today’s reading.
Joseph had been in prison for several years for a crime he did not commit. He had been faithful to God and avoided the seductive trap of Potiphar’s wife but it cost him time in jail. There he had become a key helper in the jail. He had interpreted the dreams of two other prisoners; the one who was freed had agreed to help him get out but promptly forgot! What “luck”! Two years later, Pharaoh had a disturbing dream that none of his advisers could interpret. The Pharaoh’s chief cup bearer, the prisoner who had vowed to help, remembered Joseph’s ability! Joseph was brought before Pharaoh and he interpreted the dream, giving God credit! (Genesis 41:16) Pharaoh promoted Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt! God rewards faithfulness and integrity.
The lessons from this passage help us to see that it isn’t winning a lottery that will make us rich and famous. Faithfulness to the Lord to serve Him and live for Him brings great reward. Sometimes it takes us on paths we didn’t sign up for, however. Joseph’s time in jail tested his faith and centered him even closer to God. Joseph was also a type of Jesus Christ. Keep on being faithful and He will exalt you in due time!
“So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took the signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.” Genesis 41:41-42
” and He sent a man before them–Joseph, sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what He foretold came to pass, till the Word of the Lord proved him true.” Psalm 105:17-19
God-given Dreams
Scripture reading for January 15th: Genesis 41-44
We serve a God who knows everything and who works out everything for the good of those who love and serve Him. Words to describe God that fit here are ‘omnipotent’ (all powerful) and ‘omniscient’ (all knowing). Because of these divine attributes, God knows everything that is, was, and will be. He also has the power to get this information to the right people in order to demonstrate His mercy and love and warn of coming judgment. He also has the power to do what He says and the integrity to do it as He has decreed!
Joseph had learned to walk by faith and God had gifted him with the ability to interpret dreams. God had given Pharaoh two dreams in one night that troubled him. These were very vivid dreams of seven fat cows that were eaten by seven gaunt cows and a second dream of seven fat heads of grain that were swallowed by seven that were thin and scorched by the sun. (Genesis 41:2-7) He called all the wise men, and none could tell him what these dreams meant. Then, by God’s providence, the cupbearer remembered Joseph! He knew a man who could interpret dreams! (Genesis 41:9-13) What “luck”!
Joseph quickly stated that he could not give an interpretation, but God would give Pharaoh the answer he needed. (Genesis 41:16) Pharaoh repeated the two dreams to Joseph and Joseph answered! The dreams were the same and revealed God’s plan to send a famine on the land. There would be seven good years followed by seven years of severe famine affecting the whole region. There were two dreams repeating the matter because God had decreed that this would happen and happen soon! (Genesis 41:28-32)
These stories from 3500 years ago reveal a God who is omniscient! He knows what is going to happen in the future. God is also compassionate and warns this world ruler, who was an idolater, about the plans. He is also omnipotent because He did bring to pass the dreams that he sent to Pharaoh. The seven good years came to pass and the seven years of famine also happened. (Genesis 41:47, 53-54) He also places in authority those He pleases. He raised up Joseph from prison to be second in command over Egypt! (Genesis 41:41-43) He is over all authority and uses it as He pleases to accomplish His will! We can trust and obey a loving God like that!
From Prison to Palace in a day!
Scripture reading for January 15: Genesis 41-44
The lottery is a big thing in our land. People play the lottery because they hope to become rich overnight! If their “lucky number” is drawn, they could become an instant millionaire! Of course, some do win but the statistical odds are not in your favor. Those who do win, find that “dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” (Proverbs 13:11) A Christian worldview understands the lie behind the lottery and gambling. There is a something far different than luck behind our hero, Joseph, in today’s reading.
Joseph had been in prison for several years for a crime he did not commit. He had been faithful to God and avoided the seductive trap of Potiphar’s wife but it cost him time in jail. There he had risen to a key helper in the jail. Today we would call him a “Trustee” who could work. He had interpreted the dreams of two other prisoners; the one who was freed had agreed to help him get out but promptly forgot! What “luck”! Two years later, Pharaoh had a disturbing dream that none of his advisers could interpret and the chief cupbearer, formerly Joseph’s fellow prisoner, remembered Joseph’s ability! What “luck” again! Joseph was brought before Pharaoh and he interpreted the dream, giving God credit! ( Genesis 41:16) There is really no luck, only the grace of God that rests on those who fear Him. Pharaoh promotes Joseph to second in command in all of Egypt! From jailbird to Prince by the grace of God!
The lessons from this passage help us to see that it isn’t winning a lottery that will make us rich and famous. Faithfulness to the Lord to serve Him and live for Him brings great reward. Sometimes it takes us on paths we didn’t sign up for, however. Joseph’s time in jail tested his faith and centered him even closer to God. God’s blessing rested on him even in that jail. When God’s time came, the prince came out! Joseph’s dreams came true! Joseph is also a type of Jesus Christ. He was sent before us to deliver us by His suffering. The Word of the Lord has proved Him true too! Our light momentary afflictions are working an eternal weight of glory! Keep on being faithful and He will exalt you in due time!
So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took the signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.” Genesis 41:41-42
” and he sent a man before them–Joseph, sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, till the Word of the Lord proved him true.” Psalm 105:17-19