September 3, 2015
Scripture Reading: Genesis 41:8-16
8In the morning his mind was troubled, so he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him.
9Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I am reminded of my shortcomings. 10Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he imprisoned me and the chief baker in the house of the captain of the guard. 11Each of us had a dream the same night, and each dream had a meaning of its own. 12Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams, and he interpreted them for us, giving each man the interpretation of his dream. 13And things turned out exactly as he interpreted them to us: I was restored to my position, and the other man was impaled.”
14So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.
15Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”
16“I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”
Questions for Reflection:
While Joseph was in prison, two men had dreams. Joseph was able to interpret their dream and tell them exactly what they meant. However, once the cupbearer had been freed, he completely forgot about Joseph. How do you respond when your efforts don’t get recognized in the way that you hope? Joseph could have thrown a pity party, but instead he continued to faithfully serve.
One other item before we move on, how did Joseph respond when brough before Joseph? What was his response to the idea that he could interpret the Pharaoh’s dream? It’s a great reminder for us that it is not about what we can do, but more so about God will do that is the answer. Spend time thinking through your day. What parts of the day are you tempted to place too much emphasis on what you can do? What can you do to remind you that you need to focus more on what God does through you?