RPG Adults
STIRRINGS IN THE PALACE
LORD’S DAY, MARCH 2
Genesis 40:9-23, 41:1-13
Psalm 27
Only God declares the end.
STIRRINGS IN THE PALACE
Three branches of a vine, three baskets of bread. In three days, Pharaoh celebrated his birthday. The butler was restored to favour, but the baker sent to the gallows, just as Joseph had said. But the butler forgot to put in a word for Joseph to Pharaoh. So Joseph remained two more years as “deputy prison keeper.”
Ponder again the extraordinary integrity and character of this young man under the most discouraging circumstances. His one unswerving objective in life was to serve others, anybody who needed help. Advantage to self was never the motive. “Difficult dream? Here’s the interpretation!” Some others would say, “If I do this for you, what will you do for me in return?” Step by step, God was preparing Joseph for a greater work.
After two years, while Joseph served his time in prison, the Spirit of God was still working. We may blame the butler’s forgetfulness. But when we realise again that God was directing every event to the finest detail, then we rest in His perfect wisdom and timing of events. Man cannot out-think or out-smart God. Two years was God’s precise timing for Joseph’s further development before he ascended to high honours. Our God knows best, we need to be patient.
They were strange dreams, but no idle dreams. One dream confirmed the other. Seven fat cows eaten up by seven lean cows, seven good ears of corn devoured by seven lean ears. They were in fact one dream, with one message. Pharaoh did not dismiss the dreams, for God caused his spirit to be troubled. He sent for the magicians and wise men of Egypt, but they were of no help. The story of the dreams reached the butler’s ears. This reminded him of his earlier neglect: forgetting Joseph’s request. So, thinking to do Pharaoh a favour, he related his own experience of two years before. Then things began to move. Stirrings in the palace would soon unlock prison doors! Our God acts in His own time.
THOUGHT: Today, it is better to read God’s Word than to dream dreams!
PRAYER: Thy timing is perfect, O Father. May I be patient and not run ahead of Thee.