It´s Thursday - "I had a dream" (35)

`Pharaoh 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.'

I cannot do it,' Joseph replied to Pharaoh, 'but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.' Genesis 41:15,16.

If Pharaoh's cup-bearer had remembered Joseph when he left prison and returned to Pharaoh's service, Joseph would probably have been released and headed straight back home to the land of the Hebrews, (40:15). He would never have known about Pharaoh's dream, or played his pivotal part in God's plan of salvation for the Egyptians. Stuck in that prison for a further two years with no sign that he would ever be released, Joseph would not have known that God was preparing him through the hardships and injustice to be the man he needed for the plan he had for him, yet Joseph remained faithful. Don't be discouraged by your own view of things. In the valley, your view of where you are and where you are going or not going, is very different to the One who looks down from the mountain-top and sees what is beyond the hills that seem to tower above you.

Pharaoh, having heard how Joseph accurately interpreted the dreams of the baker and cup-bearer, complimented Joseph and expressed his certainty that Joseph could do the same for him. But the pride and vanity we saw in the younger Joseph is gone. Thirteen years have passed. The young 17 year old who was sold into slavery (37:2), is now 30 (41:46). God has done a wonderful work in Joseph. He is now very humble and recognises his ability to interpret dreams to be a gift from God.  He wants God to be given the credit due, and he witnesses to Pharaoh.

All that we have is only ours because of God's provision. None of us have anything to boast about. You have good looks? You have intelligence? You have a particular talent? You have good health? You have money and worldly goods? All these things are God given treasures. They are good; given by God to enrich the recipient as well as the lives of others, but they do pose a danger. Many measure themselves and other people by the treasures they possess. Sadly, many who are so blessed, long for the compliments and relish the credit that comes their way instead of humbly acknowledging that what they have is not of their own making but due to God's grace. That which he gives can so easily be taken from us. May we, like Joseph, acknowledge that it is God who ought to be praised and worshipped rather than the earthly vessel he chooses to use and bless. God bless you all.