God’s Love: Part 6

Genesis: 41: 37-45

“37 The proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his servants. 38 Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find anyone else like this, one in whom is the spirit of God?” 39 So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command; only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” 41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” 42 Removing his signet ring from his hand, Pharaoh put it on Joseph’s hand; he arrayed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. 43 He had him ride in the chariot of his second-in-command, and they cried out in front of him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt. 44 Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall lift up hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” 45 Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah, and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, as his wife. Thus Joseph gained authority over the land of Egypt.”

One of Joseph’s spiritual gifts from God was the ability to understand and interpret accurately the dreams of other people.  He did this while he was in prison and word of his gift spread to the ears of the Pharaoh.  

Joseph interpreted a dream that the Pharaoh had that confused and perplexed everyone except Joseph, who had God’s help.

As a reward, Joseph was given the task of implementing the details of the dream, which predicted seven years plenty and seven years of famine.  

Joseph suggested that the dream was given to the Pharaoh so that Egypt could store up food in preparation for the famine.

I am sure that Pharaoh’s staff were given the task of watching as events unfolded in case Joseph had misinterpreted the dream.

But God had plans for Egypt that overlapped with the plans he had for His people. 

 And God was guiding Joseph.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)