Yesterday we discussed Joseph’s time in Egypt, leading up to his time in prison. We considered how God caused him to proposer and find favour even with the prison guard. Later in chapter 41, Joseph’s gift of dream interpretation was called into action. Two other inmates dreamed about their future with Pharaoh and Joseph accurately interpreted their dreams. And just as Joseph interpreted, one servant was restored to his position and the other was beheaded. Joseph had one request for the servant who was to be restored. He asked him to remember him when he became free but he forgot about Joseph (Genesis 40).
In Genesis 41, Pharaoh had two dreams and none of his magicians or wise men could interpret the dream. It was then that the chief cupbearer remembered Joseph. He told Pharaoh how Joseph had accurately interpreted his dream and that of the other servant. Joseph was summoned to Pharaoh and he assured Pharaoh that it was God who would provide the answer to his dreams. Joseph not only interpreted the dreams, but had the wisdom to advise Pharaoh regarding what needed to be done about what God had revealed (Genesis 41:1-36).
Joseph’s wisdom impressed Pharaoh so much that he decided to appoint Joseph over his house and in command of the people. “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are”(Genesis 41:39). In all of Egypt, Pharaoh was the only one with more power and authority than Joseph. Joseph used his God given gift of interpretation, trusted God for the answer and glorified God in the presence of Pharaoh.
Joseph’s faithfulness and his spirit of excellence in using what God had given him led to success. Of what good would most people consider the ability to interpret dreams? Every good and perfect gift is from above and has been given to us by God. Our gifts are given to us to solve problems and to offer answers to questions. Success comes from our ability to solve problems and to offer answers to difficult questions.
“For which cause I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6).
A.P.-Y.
Devotional Inspirations 