Genesis 41

Genesis 41

Since the cupbearer neglected to mention Joseph to the Pharaoh, Joseph remained in jail for two more years. It was at that time that Pharaoh dreamed: first about 7 plump cows along with 7 thin cows, and then about 7 good ears of grain along with 7 bad ears of grain. He was disturbed by these two dreams, but he did not know why. So he called all the wise of men Egypt to help him understand the dreams, but none of them were able to do so. It is at this moment that the cupbearer remembered what Joseph had done for him, so he tells Pharaoh. Immediately Pharaoh sends for Joseph, getting him out of the prison cell.

When questioned about his skills at interpreting dreams, Joseph quickly turns the attention to God, not wanting to take any of the credit for himself. He lets him know that he can do none of it without God’s power, and it is up to the Lord as to whether he will receive an interpretation. When Pharaoh retells his dreams, God allows Joseph to understand their meaning. So Joseph tells Pharaoh that there is about to come 7 years of prosperity quickly followed by 7 years of famine (a famine so great that no one will remember the prosperity). But God does not only allow Joseph to understand the meaning of the dreams, He also gives Joseph a solution to the problem. Joseph then tells Pharaoh that one way to survive the famine is to store up a great surplus during the 7 years of prosperity so that they can survive when the famine strikes.

Pharaoh is so impressed by this plan, that he seeks out people to put this plan into action. But in questioning his servants as to who to put in such a position, he turns to Joseph. God’s presence is once again so evident in Joseph’s life (first to Potiphar, then to the prison guard, and now to Pharaoh), that Pharaoh makes Joseph 2nd in command in Egypt. He gives Joseph command over his entire house and all the duties associated with this plan to survive the famine. God had once again protected and blessed Joseph, the same man who had been sold into slavery by his brothers. Now do not think that all who follow Christ will receive such great wealth, for it does not always happen that way. But one thing you can depend on is that God will be with you in the same way that He was with Joseph. There is nothing too big for God, and He can handle any situation. We just have to be obedient to His commands, trust Him no matter what, and make it evident that we are His children. Then whatever life throws our way will be no major problem, for we will have God on our side through it all.

Just as God had revealed to Joseph, the 7 years of prosperity came and went. Joseph remained faithful to God and to his duties, storing up much during those years. Then, when the 7 years of famine came, no one in Egypt went hungry. Joseph opened up all of the storehouses and began rationing out the food to all of the Egyptians. But what is interesting is that the famine did not only affect Egypt, but also the whole world. So people from other regions began flooding into Egypt for help. Because of Joseph’s position (which God had given him), Joseph was becoming to known to people all across the world. As a result, I bet people were discovering who Joseph’s God (the only God) was. God was making Himself to known to the whole world.

Matt