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Genesis 41

Good Morning “Exalted.”  Today we are in Genesis 41

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10

Things are looking up… slowly.  Joseph loves the Lord and is indeed wise.  Additionally God has given him a gift.  As we saw in chapter 40, Joseph is able to interpret dreams… well kind of.  As he makes clear, it is God that gives the interpretation.

After interpreting the dreams of the Cupbearer  and the Baker Jospeh languish’s in prison 2 more years.  In total now, Joseph has been a slave and prisoner in Egypt for 13 years.   He was sold by his brothers at 17 - so he’s now 30.  Remember when I said Joseph is a picture of Jesus?  How old was Jesus when He began His formal ministry?  See how many more parallels you can find… there are dozens in Joseph’s life.

Pharaoh has a dream - 2 scenario’s.  One with cows, one with wheat.  No one could interpret it.  The cupbearer sees an opportunity to gain favor and tells Pharaoh of Joseph’s ability to interpret.  Pharaoh sends for Joseph.  He shaves and dresses - Egyptians believed hair was the route of disease etc so, they typically were free from hair.  Joseph is brought before Pharaoh.  Now he had every opportunity to try to elevate himself here - after being captive in one form or another for 13 years but check it out: ““I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” Genesis‬ ‭41‬:‭16‬ In the face of magicians he makes clear - his ability comes from God.

The scenarios both meant the same thing.  7 years of abundance followed by 7 years of famine that would consume all the abundance.  Joseph in his wisdom gives Pharaoh a solution.   It involves putting a wise man in position to manage all of Egypt.  Pharaoh believes him, and chooses Joseph as that man.  God has prepped Joseph over a period of 13 years… now quickly he goes from prisoner to 2nd in command in all of Egypt.  All of Egypt will now answer to Joseph.  

Joseph didn’t have to exalt himself, he knew God would do that when the time was right.  Joseph is an incredible example of facing his trials in humility and faithfully trusting in the Lord.  God has a plan - it rarely happens according to our timetable.  How’s your attitude in the midst of suffering or trials?  

Love you all!  Dig in!