Genesis 41

Scripture:  Genesis 41:1-36

Observation:  Two full years have past since the butler was released from prison.  It comes to pass that Pharaoh has two very strange dreams, and no matter who he tells them to, no one can understand or interpret them.  It's at this time that the butler remembers Joseph, and tells Pharaoh of his experience with Joseph in prison.  Joseph is sent for, and Pharaoh asks if he can interpret the dreams.  Joseph says no, only God can interpret dreams.  Pharaoh proceeds to tell Joseph his two dreams:  first, he dreamed of 7 fat and robust cows feeding in a meadow that get eaten up by 7 skinny, ugly cows that come out of the river.  Incredibly enough, the skinny cows are still skinny and ugly after eating the fat cows.  He then dreamed of a stalk with 7 plump, healthy heads of grain that get eaten up by 7 thin heads that were wind-beaten by the east wind.  Upon hearing both dreams, Joseph informs Pharaoh that both dreams have the same meaning.  There will be 7 years of plentiful harvests, very fruitful years, followed by 7 years of severe famine as none had ever seen before.  The reason Pharaoh had two dreams was to emphasize that this was a command from God and would surely take place.  So Joseph suggests to Pharaoh that a wise man be put in charge of storing one fifth of all the food harvested during the good years so that there is food available during the lean years.

Application:  We see a perfect application of the Scripture found at Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."  Had Joseph never been thrown in prison, the butler would most likely never have met him, and he wouldn't have been able to tell Pharaoh of the Hebrew who could interpret dreams.  Joseph may have thought at some point that he was at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and that was why he was thrown in prison, but the truth of the matter is he was exactly where God wanted him to be so that His will could be done.  The same is true in my own life.  There are moments when I can't understand why circumstances are as they are.  Joseph's life is a reminder that, as long as I'm seeking God, He will make sure that I'm always in the right place, at the right time.

Prayer:  Father, I place my trust in You alone.  There are moments when I can't see a way out from my problems, but each time You prove worthy of my trust.  When I worry You show me there is no need for it. I pray, Father, that in all things, big or small, I will seek Your will and not my own.  Like Joseph, I want to live a life that reflects You, so that I and all around me can see Your hand of blessing when the trouble has ceased.  May You receive all the glory.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Genesis 40

Scripture:  Genesis chapter 40

Observation:  Pharaoh's butler and baker land in the same prison as Joseph, and Joseph is put in charge of them.  He notices their distress one morning, and finds out they've both had odd dreams that no one can interpret.  Joseph acknowledges that interpretation of dreams belongs only to God, and asks the men to tell him of their dreams.  The butler tells of a dream where 3 branches of a vine fill with grapes in front of his eyes, and he squeezes the juice from them into Pharaoh's cup and brings the drink to him.  Joseph tells him the meaning of the dream:  in 3 days he will return to Pharaoh's service.  Joseph asks the butler to remember him when this takes place, because his imprisonment is unjust.  Upon hearing such a favorable interpretation, the baker tells his dream.  He has 3 baskets on top of his head filled with baked good for Pharaoh, but the top basket is being eaten by birds.  This interpretation is not very pleasant:  in 3 days the baker will be beheaded.  On the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, all happens just as Joseph had told both men, but sadly the butler forgot Joseph and didn't tell anyone about his plight.

Application:  First lesson, we see how Joseph gives God the credit for interpreting the dreams.  He doesn't assume he is gifted; he recognizes God's work in his life, even in his dire condition.  Second lesson, it's easy to ask for help when we need it, and just as easy to forget those that show kindness.  The butler was asked one favor once he was released from prison, but he quickly forgot about the man who'd revealed the meaning of his dream.  I must remember to give God the glory in all things, and to be thankful.

Prayer:  Father, You are great in all the earth.  I am nothing; You are everything.  That You would even take notice of me shows Your great love and mercy.  Without You I can accomplish nothing.  Be with me always, and may I speak words of praise to You at all times.  Thank You for Jesus, for the greatest sacrifice of love, for salvation.  I am grateful to You for all You are and all You do.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Genesis 39

Scripture:  Genesis chapter 39

Observation:  Joseph is taken to Egypt and is sold to Potiphar, the captain of the guard.  Joseph does exceptionally well with Potiphar; the Lord blesses him and he is put in charge of Potiphar's household.  There's just one problem:  Joseph, a strong, handsome young man, is noticed by Potiphar's wife, who lusts after him and tries day and night to induce Joseph to have an affair with her.  Joseph refuses; he knows it would be a sin against both God and his master.  Mrs. Potiphar is unrelenting, and she waits for a moment when no one is around to grab Joseph and pleads that he sleep with her.  Joseph realizes the precarious situation he's in, and runs away, leaving Mrs. Potiphar with his outer garment in her hand.  Mrs. Potiphar uses this to claim that it was Joseph who tried to rape her, and the only reason he ran was because she screamed.  Potiphar is angered, but rather than have him killed he has Joseph thrown into prison.  Even in prison, though, the Lord is with Joseph, and the prison keeper puts Joseph in charge.

Application:  Being a follower of the Lord does not guarantee that bad things won't happen.  Joseph did everything right:  he was a faithful servant to his master, did his work to the best of his ability, and kept as far away as possible from his master's wife, yet he is wrongfully accused of trying to seduce her and lands in prison.  Did this mean that God had abandoned Joseph?  Not at all!  God was still with Joseph and blessed everything Joseph did, even in prison.  When things seem to be going in the wrong direction, remember that God is right by our side; He promised never to leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5-6).

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, what a joy to know that even in my darkest hours, and especially at those moments, I am not alone.  You are always with me.  When the enemy brings evil into our lives, You take that evil and turn it around to use for good.  Nothing is outside of Your reach, and there is nothing You can't handle.  I am to be still and know that You are God, and I have nothing to fear.  Thank You Father for taking care of me and giving me this security.  In Jesus' precious Name I pray, Amen.