Bible Pathway - Jan. 14, 2011
Read Genesis 40
Highlights:
Thrilling as well as horrifying events follow Joseph's God-given gift of dream interpretation. Being sold as a slave fulfills his own dreams. Forced to buy corn (grain) in Egypt, Joseph's brothers bow down to him, not knowing he is their brother. In Egypt, his interpretation of dreams results in preserving the lives of his brothers.
Thirteen years had passed since Joseph had been sold by his brothers into slavery and taken to Egypt. Joseph's character and self-control were tested over and over again as a slave. Although Joseph was innocent of any crime, he was later imprisoned and endured all the shame and punishment of the dungeon. During that horrifying ordeal, Joseph experienced many lonely nights suffering as a prisoner, whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron (Ps. 105:18). He never became bitter, but remained faithful to God, believing that the Lord was with him (Gen. 39:23). It is evident that Joseph counted all earthly satisfactions as incomparable with the honor of being faithful to God. Even though Joseph was afterward highly exalted, his true reward was unseen by the world. Joseph stands as an example that God has a much greater reward to bestow upon His faithful servants than the elusive, soon-vanishing satisfactions of this world.
At the age of 30, Joseph was called to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. Joseph answered Pharaoh . . . God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace (41:16). Because the Lord interpreted the dreams through Joseph, Pharaoh acknowledged him as the wisest man in Egypt. This former outcast then received Pharoah's own ring with new authority as second ruler over all the land of Egypt (41:39-44). The dreams which Joseph had experienced many years before were now becoming reality.
We may endure months, or even years, when it appears that God either does not care about us or cannot do anything about our circumstances. However, God has amazing ways of developing our talents and maturing us spiritually through difficult times when we remain faithful to Him. God worketh all things after the counsel of His own will (Eph. 1:11), even though it may appear that He is slow to deliver His servants from distress. How foolish to judge the wisdom or love of God by present circumstances which surround us.
For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counseller? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen (Rom. 11:34-36). We shall reap, if we faint not (don't give up) (Gal. 6:9).
Thought for Today:
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1).
Christ Revealed:
By the wisdom of Joseph (Gen. 41:39). Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:2-3).
Word Studies:
40:1 butler cupbearer, chief servant officer; 40:3 in ward in custody; 41:3 ill favoured very skinny; brink bank; 41:5 rank large full grain; 41:6 blasted blighted; 41:18 fatfleshed fine looking; 41:33 discreet of wisdom and discernment; 41:35 hand authority; 41:47 by handfuls abundantly; 41:54 dearth famine; 41:56 waxed sore became severe; 42:7 made himself strange unto them acted as a stranger to them; 42:15 proved tested; 42:21 besought begged; 42:34 traffick-do business.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for international Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Government Official: Rep. Michael McCaul (TX) • Country: Qatar (600,000) in southwestern Asia • Major languages: Arabic and English • Muslim conversion to Christ is forbidden, but expatriate Christians are allowed to meet informally • 79.5% Muslim; 10.5% Christian; 7.2% Hindu; 1.8% Buddhist; .9% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for your daily needs (Matt. 6:11).
Optional Reading: Matthew 14
Memory Verse for the Week: Deuteronomy 4:2
