Morning Moments

I find myself intrigued with the account of Joesph in Genesis 41 and would like to spend time here this week in my Morning Moments.

Key Verse: [41:16] And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

Today we shall consider the INTRODUCTION -

When one reads the first few verses of the chapter he might be led to believe that Pharaoh had been smoking something. But he probably didn't inhale. Leaders don't do that you know. Look at the account -

[41:1] And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river. [2] And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow. [3] And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river. [4] And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke. [5] And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good. [6] And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them. [7] And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.

So, he had fallen asleep down by the riverside and while sleeping, he had this dream, apparently he waked briefly, fell asleep again and continued dreaming.

The Chief of security had bought Joseph as a slave from the Ishmaelites (descendants of Ishmael, the brother of Isaac), who had bought him from his own brothers (sons of Jacob). So the whole bunch were descendants of Abraham which gives insight into just how far back the Middle East Mess goes.

Potiphar, chief of security for the Pharaoh found great pleasure in Joseph and elevated him to his right hand man. Potiphar's wife, however, became quite attracted to Joseph. When Joe spurned her advances she concocted a story which prompted her husband to imprison him.

In the meantime, Paraoh had become pretty angry with the butler and baker and threw them both into prison. While there they had dreams that Joseph had interpreted. The butler was to be restored and the baker was to be executed. Joseph's simple request was the the butler remember him when he was restored to his position with Pharaoh. The butler was restored but forgot about Joseph. That was recorded in chapter 40.

NOW Pharaoh has these dreams that disturb him, so he calls the psychic hotline of his day, the astrologers, who, as today were full of bologna. Finally the butler rememberd Joseph and tells the Pharaoh about his own experience. Whereupon Pharaoh sends for Joseph who interprets his dreams and is exalted to the position of second in command to Pharaoh himself.

What can we learn from these events? In the first place, the smartest thing any government leader can do is bosom buddy with men of God, which is certainly something our leader is not smart enough to do. Godly counsel is ALWAYS superior to LEGAL counsel. "Blessed is the nation whose God is JEHOVAH, no ALLAH! and certainly not a LAWYER!

Secondly, Joseph waited another two years after the butler was returned to his post. Two more years in prison would poison the disposition of most saints, but he understood what we too must understand - God's timing is equal to His truth.

Finally, God has a way of putting us in situations over which we have no control, so that we will look to Him, learn from Him, and live for Him as an expression of our love, faith, and obedience. He could have providentially changed Joseph's situation at any time but He knew when the time was right. Joespeh never complained but remained faithful. It is to be the same with us.

BLESSINGS!