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GENESIS 41–42; PSALMS 23, 24

Week 3, Day 6

“After two whole years” (41:1)! I imagine Joseph waiting almost momentarily after the cupbearer has left the prison; then, slowly, hope dies. But there is a time and a tide. If the cupbearer had told Pharaoh of Joseph immediately upon his return to his office, Joseph’s name would have been filed under “applications received.” But now Pharaoh is in need of just the talents Joseph has, and now the cupbearer remembers.

Joseph credits God with his gift of insight, as well he should and as well all of us should. Pharaoh sees more in Joseph than simply a diviner of dreams; he also has obvious administrative skills. The bright teenager who alienated his brothers with his dreams has now been matured by life’s buffeting. He is prepared. And he has prospered. Rightly he names his second son, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my misfortunes” (41:52).

But the best evidence of Joseph’s maturity is yet to be seen. It is sometimes easier to run an empire than to make peace with one’s own family, and easier to execute orders than to forgive injuries. In the course of time Joseph is visited by his brothers. The teenager is now a grown man, dressed in the regal garb of an Egyptian ruler so his brothers don’t recognize him. But he knows them. The situation is dramatically reversed from that dark day when they sold him into slavery. Now they are the suppliants and he is in command.

PRAYER: When I have moments of power, O Lord, help me use my strength with kindness and wisdom; in Jesus’ name. Amen.

When Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream, he gives credit to God. How does this compare with his attitude as a boy, reporting his dreams to his family?