Passage
Genesis 41:1-36 (ESV)
Judah and Tamar
Genesis 38:1-30
Key Verse: 38:26
Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams
Date: Jul. 7, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 41:28b
First, Pharaoh's two dreams (1-16). Pharaoh had two dreams, but no Egyptian wise man or magician could explain them. Then the cupbearer remembered Joseph, who rightly interpreted two dreams in prison two years earlier. Pharaoh brought Joseph from prison and said, "I hear you can interpret dreams." Joseph replied, "I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." Dreams, like God's word, were providential in Joseph's life.
Second, God's faithful servant (17-36). Pharaoh's dreams were national and economic, aimed at livestock and agriculture. Cows and grain would do quite well for 7 years, then 7 years of famine would devastate the land. Five times Joseph mentioned God to Pharaoh (16, 25, 28, 32). God rules nature and nations. Pharaoh couldn't change what God had decided to do. But Joseph gave advice: store up food in the years of plenty to get through the famine years. Joseph who was faithful to God in slavery and in prison was about to be put in charge on a national scale.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be faithful with all that you have given me and to speak your word faithfully and boldly.
One Word: Faithful to God in any situation
