Mar 23

Genesis 41:1-57
Memorise Psalm 75:6-7
“But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another”

Joseph was probably now at the very lowest point of his life. From the favourite son of his father; he went to being a slave in a foreign land. Yet he persevered and worked hard, and was promoted to be the chief servant in his master’s house. But then he was falsely accused of raping his master’s wife, and was cast into prison. Even then he never gave up, but continued to maintain a good testimony, such that he was again promoted to be the chief of prisoners. After the incident of the butler and baker, Joseph must have thought that this was now his opportunity to be freed and have his name cleared. However, the exoneration never came. In the next two years that ensued, all he heard was silence.

Then suddenly, at Pharaoh’s request, he was whisked from his prison cell, shaved, changed and brought before Pharaoh himself! What an amazing turn of events. Pharaoh had dreamt a dream that no one could interpret, and only now did the butler tell Pharaoh about this young Hebrew man who could interpret dreams. And now standing before the King of Egypt, Joseph was told to explain what Pharaoh’s dream was all about. Even in such circumstances, Joseph maintained his testimony, and also his composure, and dared to contradict Pharaoh and tell him that “it is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace” (Genesis 41:16). He remained resolute in his faith that God was in control, and he openly declared that to the one who was regarded in Egypt to be a demi-god.

After Pharaoh recounted his dream, Joseph gave the interpretation, and told him that this was a message from God, and God is the one who will bring it to pass (Genesis 41:25, 32). He also advised Pharaoh on how he was to prepare for the coming years of plenty and of famine. Pharaoh recognised the wisdom in this young man, and there and then appointed him to be his second in command. Thus in a single day, Joseph went from being a prisoner to become the second most powerful man in Egypt! This was certainly beyond Joseph’s wildest expectations. It is a turn of events that he could never have imagined nor engineered for himself. Truly promotion comes from the Lord! Joseph simply trusted in the Lord and lived a life of obedience, and God took care of the rest. Yet what is most important is not the material and physical blessings, but rather living in the will of God.

Thought: If God is in control, why worry?
Prayer: Lord, may I learn to do my best, and not worry about the results.