Overview
Joseph was always aware of God and kept the faith of his father, even in a distant country, far from his family and the worship of the true God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Learning about God in his childhood played a great role in his life. It gave him the strength, knowledge and love for God in order to stay true to Him. Teaching a child in the way he should go is very important, for as the Bible says, “when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
Joseph, though innocent and righteous, was suffering in prison still the Lord had not forgotten him. When we are suffering and cannot understand why, we must remember that the Lord is still with us and he will bring an immediate reward; in fact, it can sometimes bring suffering, as in Joseph’s case. However, the Lord is faithful and just, and the good we do will not go unrewarded (Luke 6:35). For two years Joseph waited patiently in prison. When the time was ripe for the Lord to deliver him, He brought him out, putting him in an even better place then before.
We read that Pharaoh’s butler (or cup bearer) and baker had “offended” him (Hebrew word for sinned), and he threw them in prison. One morning, Joseph, who was in charge of the administrative affairs of the prison, noticed their sadness and inquired about the cause. During the night, they both had dreams, but there was no one to give them the interpretation. Joseph knew that God was in control of everything and spoke boldly saying, “Do not interpretations belong to God? (40:8). With faith that God could use him, he asked them to tell him their dreams. The interpretation for the cup bearer’s dream was good, for he was to be restored. Joseph asked that he remember him before Pharaoh; however, he forgot him, but not totally. When the baker heard the cup bearer’s good interpretation, he was anxious to hear his own. Joseph, having a pure and simple, was not afraid to speak the truth as the Lord gave him the interpretation came true.
When Pharaoh had two perplexing dreams, none of the trained magicians or wise men could interpret them. These were educated people who practiced fortune telling and studied astronomy. They even displayed unusual powers (but not from God) as in the story of Moses with Pharaoh’s magicians who, like Moses, also turned their staffs into snakes. Pharaoh’s dreams had come from God, and only those who know God have spiritual insight from Him to interpret what comes from Him. Pharaoh was desperate to discover the meaning of the two dreams he had. The cup bearer, wanting to help Pharaoh, remembered Joseph.
This was in the perfect timing of the Lord for Joseph to come out of prison. If he had been released earlier, he might have returned to Canaan, but God knew he was to remain in Egypt to fulfill His plan of salvation for him and his family. As quickly as possible Joseph, who was now 30 years old, was made ready for an audience with Pharaoh. Once again he gave the credit to God who is the revealer of truth (41:16). He told Pharaoh that the two dreams (two to emphasize the importance and urgency) have one meaning which God had chosen to show him concerning the seven years of famine which will follow seven years of plenty. Joseph wisely recommended to Pharaoh the course of action that should be taken. He did not show pride in himself for his abilities; rather, he was humble and knew that without the Lord it would be impossible.
We must remember that for all we have, whether talents, gifts or possessions, God must always receive the Gory and honor.
|