January 16, 2025 - Genesis 40-42

Falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, Joseph was now in prison.  There, he came across (He “came across” . . . That sounds as if the connection was simply by happenstance.  Of course, we know better!) Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and chief baker.  Having dreamed in the night, these two guys said to Joseph, “’We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them.’  And Joseph said to them, ‘Do not interpretations belong to God?  Please tell them to me’” (40:8).  Then, “After two whole years, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing by the Nile” (41:1).  When told about Joseph interpreting the other dreams, Pharaoh sent for him and asked for another interpretation, and “Joseph answered Pharaoh, ‘It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer’” (41:16).  What’s going on with all these dreams?  Well, God is about to do for Jacob and his family the very thing he promised, that is, to keep them and make of them a great nation.  Not a single moment in all this story happened merely by happenstance.  God was at work and, as Joseph recognized, he was not only giving the dreams but enabling Joseph to interpret them.  Yet one more instance of God’s faithfulness to perform his promises, which should greatly encourage us.  Repeated throughout the Old Testament, the writer picks up the refrain and tells his readers of the God who promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

Be still, my soul!  the Lord is on your side;

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;

Leave to your God to order and provide;

In ev’ry change he faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul!  your best, your heav’nly friend

Thru’ thorny ways leads to a joyful end.   -- Kathrina von Schlegel (1752)