Protective

Protective

Genesis 42: ³ So Joseph’s ten brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. ⁴ But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “Lest some calamity befall him.” ⁵ And the sons of Israel went to buy grain among those who journeyed, for the famine was in the land of Canaan.

 

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Ten of Joseph’s half-brothers were sent to Egypt to buy grain. But “Jacob” did not send Benjamin with his half-brothers. So the sons of “Israel” went to buy grain.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob may have suspected his sons were not telling him the truth about what happened to Joseph.
• Rachel was the woman Jacob loved, so he treated Joseph and Benjamin, her sons, differently.
• Jacob sent ten of his sons to buy enough food that each could carry.

 

Jacob had hundreds of servants who tended his animals, so they would need to be fed as well. But Jacob sent only his sons to Egypt. He clearly showed a difference between Benjamin and his other sons by saying “Lest some calamity befall him.”  Jacob may have seen something in his sons that he could not quite put his finger on. All he knew in his mind was Joseph was dead.

 

The sons of “Israel” went to Egypt. I believe this distinction was given to Moses on purpose. As Moses writes this book, he flows between Jacob and Israel. I believe GOD is showing how the tribes of Israel ended up in Egypt. The importance of the tribes would become known later. GOD chose a very complex family.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about Jacob’s protective statement to his other sons about Benjamin?
• Has something ever happened in your life that made you more protective of people around you?
• Is GOD moving you to a place where HIS new work will begin?

Do Something!

Do Something!

Genesis 42: When Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, “Why do you look at one another?” ² And he said, “Indeed I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down to that place and buy for us there, that we may live and not die.”

 

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GOD made the famine so severe, that there was no place to go to get food. Jacob heard there was food in Egypt. He told his sons to do something!

 

My Observations:

• Jacob’s sons were willing to perish because they had no vision.
• Jacob had to step in and tell his sons to do something!
• Jacob saw that his sons did not have vision and they would perish.

 

GOD turned HIS attention to Jacob and his sons as they faced the seven years of famine. Jacob was a survivor and would not let his family just tit and die. His sons had plotted against Joseph and wound up selling him into slavery. But their plan only went as far as the harm they caused. They did not know where to turn.

 

GOD may have had many reasons for causing the famine, but the one that is revealed is the famine forced the sons of Israel to go to Joseph, just as the dream of Joseph said. This difficult time was being used by GOD to bring HIS people to Egypt.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Jacob’s statement to his sons?
• Have you ever felt hopeless?
• Do you realize GOD’s plan is greater than your circumstance and HE will move you to where HE needs you someday?

Deliverer

Deliverer

Genesis 41: ⁵³ Then the seven years of plenty which were in the land of Egypt ended, ⁵⁴ and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. The famine was in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. ⁵⁵ So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Then Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, do.” ⁵⁶ The famine was over all the face of the earth, and Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians. And the famine became severe in the land of Egypt. ⁵⁷ So all countries came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all lands.

 

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After the seven years of plenty ended, seven years of famine began, just as Joseph prophesied. First the Egyptians came to Pharaoh, asking him to fix their problem. But he sent them to “Joseph.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave Joseph the interpretation of the dream HE gave Pharaoh.
• Joseph used his gift of administration to store up food all over the providence of Egypt.
• Pharaoh called Joseph “Joseph” versus using the name he gave him.

 

Maybe it was a good guess that the land would provide abundance, Pharaoh may have thought. If  abundance happened for eight or nine or ten years, Pharaoh would still look good. But it happened just as Joseph predicted. How can this be, Pharaoh may hove thought. Then he realized, GOD was speaking through Joseph.

 

Pharaoh sent everyone who asked to Joseph. Even Pharaoh recognized this was no coincidence. GOD positioned Joseph to deliver the Egyptians and all the countries from the famine. GOD provided the abundance and positioned Joseph as HIS deliverer.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Pharaoh’s reaction to the cries of the people regarding the seven years of famine?
• Are you going through a difficult time?
• Is GOD positioning you to be HIS deliverer by using the gifts HE has given you?

Significant Revival

 

Significant Revival

Genesis 41: ⁵⁰ And to Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On, bore to him. ⁵¹ Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: “For God has made me forget all my toil and all my father’s house.” ⁵² And the name of the second he called Ephraim: “For God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.”

 

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Sometime during the years of plenty, Joseph had two sons Manasseh and Ephriam. Asenath, an Egyptian daughter of a priest who worshipped Ra the sun god, is mentioned for the second time.

 

My Observations:

• Asenath influenced her sons to live as Egyptians.
• Manasseh would later struggle with GOD
• Ephriam would become a huge tribe, yet would also struggle with GOD.

 

The birth of these two sons was so significant to GOD, that one of the tribes, Dan, was replaced in the book of Revelation with Manasseh. My guess is Manasseh was born somewhere around year three of the famine and Ephriam was born around year five. I have no factual basis for the numbers other than Joseph was extremely busy storing up food for Egypt.

 

Joseph struggled with being separated from his father. He may have thought of Jacob every day. Joseph may have learned how to manage people from Jacob. Naming Manasseh “Making me forget my sorrow” indicates He missed his father. Naming Ephriam “Double fruitfulness” was done after collecting so much food that the amount could not be counted.

 

Joseph recognized that he was in a land that afflicted him. He had been taken from his father, enslaved  and imprisoned. This land started off as a place of doom. BUT GOD healed the situation and made Joseph fruitful in all he did.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the birth of Joseph’s son in such detail?
• Have you ever come out of a trial and remembered what you went through?
• Does GOD’s revival of you have to come in the way you think?

Obedience During Abundance

Obedience During Abundance

Genesis 41: ⁴⁶ Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. ⁴⁷ Now in the seven plentiful years the ground brought forth abundantly. ⁴⁸ So he gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities; he laid up in every city the food of the fields which surrounded them. ⁴⁹ Joseph gathered very much grain, as the sand of the sea, until he stopped counting, for it was immeasurable.

 

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Joseph was seventeen when GOD gave him the dreams of his family bowing down to him. But now he was thirty. Thirteen years had passed since he had the dreams. Joseph went out into various parts of Egypt and made guarded storehouses for grain to make bread and feed animals.

 

My Observations:

• It was GOD that made the crops of Egypt produce in a supernatural abundance.
• Joseph did not really know if GOD would do what HE said, but he was obedient because he believed what GOD told him in the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream.
• GOD’s abundance was so great, they could not count how much food they had.

 

GOD was preparing everyone for what HE was about to do. HE was going to cut the abundance off for seven years. Joseph was only told that there would be a famine. He used his administrative gift, coupled with the skill he had with flocks to save up what would be needed to sustain people through the famine.

 

“GOD told me to save up because of the impending famine” would sound like strange words to someone when abundance was flowing. But these words would save people all over the world. Egypt would become famous, not because of Pharaoh, but because of HIS promise to Joseph. Obedience during abundance would save the people.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Joseph’s actions with the abundance HE supplied?
• What do you do when GOD gives you plenty?
• How is GOD preparing you during this season of your life?

Trusted Empowered Gifted

Trusted Empowered Gifted

Genesis 41: ⁴² Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. ⁴³ And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he set him over all the land of Egypt. ⁴⁴ Pharaoh also said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” ⁴⁵ And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. So Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.

 

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Immediately, Pharaoh trusted Joseph because of the interpretation of the dream. Pharaoh had a formal way to create rules which required documentation with his signet ring stamp. He gave control to Joseph by giving him the signet ring. He paraded Joseph around Egypt so people would know who he was and he gave Joseph a wife.

 

My Observations:

• Pharaoh trusted Joseph implicitly because Joseph did not try to get anything from Pharaoh.
• Pharaoh worshipped the sun god Ra, so he thought he was doing Joseph a favor by giving him the daughter of the priest of On.
• Pharaoh welcomed Joseph into the Egyptian culture and tried to rename him Zaphnath-Paaneah, which could mean GOD speaks and HE lives.

 

Joseph was trusted by Pharaoh, empowered by him and given gifts by him. He could do as he please without consulting Pharaoh. But Joseph did not turn his heart away from GOD. He accepted the gifts, wore the clothes and did what he was supposed to do with the power he was entrusted.

 

But Joseph also knew that Pharoah was not worshipping the one and true GOD. Pharaoh believed in many gods and classified GOD as one of them. Pharaoh gave Joseph a wife of the smartest, wisest person he knew. Even Poti-Pherah could not interpret Pharaoh’s dream. So Joseph was allowed to go out all over Egypt without being watched over. Joseph’s integrity was in GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about what Pharaoh gave to Joseph?
• What is your perspective about receiving something that looks worldly, but is a gift?
• Can you accept the world’s things without having them change your relationship with the LORD?

Dream Actually Happening!

Dream Actually Happening!

Genesis 41: ³⁷ So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. ³⁸ And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?”

 

³⁹ Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. ⁴⁰ You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in 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.”

 

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After Joseph laid out a plan to align with the impending crisis that GOD was going to do, Pharaoh consulted his servants. They all agreed with Joseph’s plan. Pharaoh placed Joseph over all of Egypt. Only Pharaoh was above Joseph. No one else.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph’s dream given by GOD was now coming to fruition.
• Joseph was being placed over an unlikely territory by GOD, that could care less about GOD.
• Joseph did not ask to be thrown in a pit or thrown in prison, but as a result, he was placed over the entire providence.

 

Joseph may have been ready for this appointment by Pharaoh. He had been placed over Potiphar’s house and ended up in prison. This wrongful imprisonment may have added caution to Joseph, knowing that fame is fleeting. He may have see the fickle Pharaoh making a huge decision that could one day be take back.

 

Joseph did not celebrate. When Pharaoh said “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt,”” Joseph did not respond. Joseph may have known that while Pharaoh was giving orders, GOD was the catalyst for the change. GOD is so powerful that even the mention of what HE is about to do , strikes fear in human hearts. GOD’s prophetic dream that HE gave Joseph was coming true.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses what Pharaoh said and did?
• When it’s your time, do you think it will be different than you thought?
• When GOD reveals something to you, do you think it should happen right away or in HIS time?

Gifts Put to Use

Gifts Put to Use

Genesis 41: ³³ “Now therefore, let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. ³⁴ Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, to collect one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years. ³⁵ And let them gather all the food of those good years that are coming, and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. ³⁶ Then that food shall be as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which shall be in the land of Egypt, that the land may not perish during the famine.”

 

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At a young age, Joseph was wise and was placed over Potiphar’s household. He got practice managing the affairs of Potiphar and learned how to lead by influence. But when Potiphar’s wife lied on him, he was thrown into prison. Afterwards he was freed and was able to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. He used his gifts to tell Pharaoh what to do with the dreams.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave Joseph wisdom to lead people.
• Joseph was exposed to many difficult situations while managing Potiphar’s house.
• Joseph was maturing in wisdom and may have used his “pit” situation as fuel for choosing his words wisely.

 

Joseph did not say to Pharaoh, “You know, GOD gave me a dream too! HE told me that people would bow to me!” Instead, Joseph used wisdom and left his situation out of the solution. Joseph gave a pure answer to Pharaoh’s huge problem. He also told Pharaoh the answer without expecting anything for himself.

 

Pharaoh could take Joseph’s answer to the impending problem and make it look like he came up with the solution. But this did not matter to Joseph. He gave an answer based on GOD’s giftedness. He did not hold back the solution or partially give it and say to Pharaoh, “If you put me in the position I will tell you the rest.” Joseph remained pure to GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Joseph’s remedy?
• Is your desperation causing you to hold back GOD’s gifts while you wait to be paid?
• Do you realize your gifts that GOD gave you may positively impact the right person today?

Quick Preparation

Quick Preparation

Genesis 41: ²⁵ Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do: ²⁶ The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads are seven years; the dreams are one. ²⁷ And the seven thin and ugly cows which came up after them are seven years, and the seven empty heads blighted by the east wind are seven years of famine. ²⁸ This is the thing which I have spoken to Pharaoh. God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do. ²⁹ Indeed seven years of great plenty will come throughout all the land of Egypt; ³⁰ but after them seven years of famine will arise, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine will deplete the land. ³¹ So the plenty will not be known in the land because of the famine following, for it will be very severe. ³² And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.

 

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GOD gave Joseph a dream and the ability to interpret dreams. After Pharaoh told him the dreams, Joseph interpreted the meaning. He told Pharaoh something that would take fourteen years to prove out. Joseph also told Pharoah this is urgent.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave Pharaoh a dream, even though Pharaoh may have considered himself a god.
• GOD used Pharaoh even though he abused people and killed them at the slightest mistake.
• GOD was going to do what HE said HE would, whether Pharaoh believed HIM or not.

 

After hearing about Joseph’s supernatural gifts from the butler, Pharaoh was intrigued. He could feel in his spirit that the dreams had to be something substantial. Joseph explained the urgency of the dreams. Since the dreams were repeated and were food related.

 

Two sets of seven are mentioned in the two dreams. One set showed plenty and the other showed extreme loss. GOD has revealed that seven is important throughout scripture. HE chose to rest on the seventh day during creation. Later GOD will reveal that there are seven spirits of GOD. In this case GOD showed Pharaoh what HE will do so Pharaoh could prepare. It wasn’t about Pharaoh, rather GOD was using this to raise up Joseph and HIS people.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream?
• Is GOD doing something bigger that your circumstance?
• Despite your situation, are you prepared for what GOD is about to do?

Wrong Crowd

Wrong Crowd

Genesis 41: ¹⁷ Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: “Behold, in my dream I stood on the bank of the river. ¹⁸ Suddenly seven cows came up out of the river, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow. ¹⁹ Then behold, seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ugly and gaunt, such ugliness as I have never seen in all the land of Egypt. ²⁰ And the gaunt and ugly cows ate up the first seven, the fat cows. ²¹ When they had eaten them up, no one would have known that they had eaten them, for they were just as ugly as at the beginning. So I awoke. ²² Also I saw in my dream, and suddenly seven heads came up on one stalk, full and good. ²³ Then behold, seven heads, withered, thin, and blighted by the east wind, sprang up after them. ²⁴ And the thin heads devoured the seven good heads. So I told this to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it to me.”

 

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After Joseph was released from prison, Pharaoh told him about the dreams that troubled him. Pharaoh then said he told his magicians, but they could not interpret the dream.

 

My Observations:

• Pharaoh was disturbed by this dream GOD gave him.
• Pharaoh used magicians who had limited supernatural powers.
• Pharaoh was revered as a god, and was probably even more disturbed that he could not understand this dream.

 

Believing in what he saw, Pharaoh entrusted his strange dreams to his magicians who had performed tricks that could not be explained. The magicians may have gotten their supernatural powers from Satan, but these powers were limited. 

 

Pharaoh may have seen Joseph as similar to the magicians. He considered himself as a god and everyone else was his servant. He felt he had power over life and death of a person because the crowd also believed he was a god. But the one and only true GOD baffled him.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Pharaoh’s discussion with Joseph?
• Have you experienced getting advice from a group of people who may or may not have consulted GOD?
• Will you seek GOD’s guidance today to get HIS supernatural direction for you today?

It’s Your Time

It’s Your Time

Genesis 41: ¹⁴ Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh. ¹⁵ And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it.”

 

¹⁶ So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”

 

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Pharoah heard about Joseph from the butler who was imprisoned with Joseph two years prior. Pharoah was eager to hear the interpretation of his dream so they rushed Joseph out of the dungeon. He shaved for the first time in years and put on a new set of clothes. Joseph told Pharoah that GOD would give an answer of peace.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph probably had given up on the thought that he would be free.
• Joseph struggled with being in prison due to his innocence.
• GOD had a timing for Joseph to be freed and HE used an unconventional person who did not worship HIM to free Joseph.

 

Egyptian Pharaohs were so powerful that they were worshipped as gods. They bowed to no one, rather all were to bow to them. GOD used this arrogance for HIS purpose. HE used Pharaoh’s abuse of power to work through the butler to bring Joseph to Pharaoh.

 

I believe the butler supernaturally forgot Joseph and was reminded on Pharaoh’s birthday that Joseph could interpret dreams. This was the beginning of the rise of Joseph part two. Joseph gave credit to GOD regarding interpretations of dreams. Little did Joseph know that GOD was about to put him in charge to make a way for HIS covenant to be fulfilled.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about the actions of Pharaoh and Joseph?
• Can your time look different than you expect?
• Is GOD preparing you to act as HIS ambassador and are you crediting HIM for where you are and what you are doing?

Almost Time

Almost Time

Genesis 41: ⁹ Then the chief butler spoke to Pharaoh, saying: “I remember my faults this day. ¹⁰ When Pharaoh was angry with his servants, and put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, both me and the chief baker, ¹¹ we each had a dream in one night, he and I. Each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream. ¹² Now there was a young Hebrew man with us there, a servant of the captain of the guard. And we told him, and he interpreted our dreams for us; to each man he interpreted according to his own dream. ¹³ And it came to pass, just as he interpreted for us, so it happened. He restored me to my office, and he hanged him.”

 

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Speaking cautiously, the chief butler spoke to Pharoah. Because of Pharoah’s dream, he remembered Joseph. This dream came exactly two years after the butler was released.

 

My Observations:

• The butler may have been so intimidated, that when he was released and the baker was hung, he did not want to make any waves.
• The baker may have supernaturally forgotten Joseph.
• GOD brought Joseph to remembrance at the right time.

 

Sometimes we forget things or overlook things that are extremely important. Joseph asked the baker to remember him, but the baker may have been so intimidated, that he could not remember anything byt trying to please Pharoah. Meanwhile Joseph sat in prison. Does this sound familiar? You and I can think GOD will rescue us immediately, but HIS timing may be different.

 

The baker finally remembered Joseph. He said to Pharoah “I remember my faults this day” possibly meaning he coud have told Pharoah years ago, but didn’t. GOD orchestrated a servant that was close enough to Pharoah to have this discussion. Pharoah would have never listened to the butler regarding leadership choices. BUT GOD paved the way for Joseph. It was almost Joseph’s time.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD go into detail about the butler’s conversation with Pharoah?
• Have you forgotten someone that needs mentioning?
• Do you believe that GOD is working out HIS plan for you in ways you cannot see right now?

Right Timing

Right Timing

Genesis 41: Then it came to pass, at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh had a dream; and behold, he stood by the river. ² Suddenly there came up out of the river seven cows, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow. ³ Then behold, seven other cows came up after them out of the river, ugly and gaunt, and stood by the other cows on the bank of the river. ⁴ And the ugly and gaunt cows ate up the seven fine looking and fat cows. So Pharaoh awoke. ⁵ He slept and dreamed a second time; and suddenly seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, plump and good. ⁶ Then behold, seven thin heads, blighted by the east wind, sprang up after them. ⁷ And the seven thin heads devoured the seven plump and full heads. So Pharaoh awoke, and indeed, it was a dream. ⁸ Now it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them for Pharaoh.

 

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Joseph sat in prison another “two full years.” Pharoah had two dreams that he could not interpret. He told the dream to his magicians but they could not interpret the dreams.

 

My Observations:

• The part of Pharoah that was supposed to be listening to GOD was his “spirit” and that was troubled.
• Pharoah surrounded himself with men who were able to perform supernatural acts that were not of GOD.
• Pharoah told his dreams to his magicians and wise men and probably could discern that they were guessing or did not know.

 

Significant dreams from GOD led Pharoah to be troubled. These dreams possibly came on his birthday, exactly two years after he let the butler free and hanged the baker. Joseph, by now, had lost hope that he would get out of prison. He was hated by his brothers, framed by Potiphar’s wife and left to die in a prison he shouldn’t have been in. BUT GOD’s timing was not on his mind.

 

GOD gave Pharoah the dreams at the exact moment HE needed to. Joseph was part of HIS plan and so was Pharoah. Joseph had to wait for Pharoah to have the dream that would set in motion a series of events that would eventually free Joseph for GOD’s purposes. The right timing was here!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD tells Moses about “two full years” and the details of Pharoah’s dream?
• Are you feeling trapped and are waiting for GOD to release you from your prison?
• Can you wait on GOD’s timing, knowing HE is orchestrating a plan that includes you and many others?

 

Forgotten but Remembered

Forgotten but Remembered

Genesis 40: ²⁰ Now it came to pass on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. ²¹ Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand. ²² But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. ²³ Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.

 

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GOD gave Joseph a dream that caused his brothers to be jealous and want to kill him. Instead they sold him to the Ishmaelites who then sold him to the Egyptians. There he was lied on by Potiphar’s wife and ended up in prison. He interpreted Pharoah’s chief butler and chief baker’s dreams. The butler was set free and the baker was hanged. The butler forgot to tell Pharoah about Joseph.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph did not ask for the dream GOD gave him, yet he seemed to lose his family, friends and was now in prison.
• Joseph asked for one favor from the butler and the butler could not even do that.
• Joseph knew the interpretation came from GOD, yet he remained in prison.

 

What do you do when you’ve done everything right and it still seems like everything is going wrong? Joseph followed GOD and was given dreams and the ability to interpret dreams. But what good was this gift if he remained in prison? It was a lot of good.

 

Joseph did not know that GOD’s plan was still in action. The glimmer of hope that Joseph had by placing faith in a human seemed lost. BUT GOD was still at work and needed Joseph in prison a little longer. GOD’s timing did not feel good but was right and included many factors.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the butler forgetting to tell Pharoah about Joseph?
• Have you ever felt forgotten?
• Can you hold on and allow GOD’s timing to come to fruition for HIS great plan HE has for you?

Misinterpreting the Interpreter

Misinterpreting the Interpreter

Genesis 40: ¹⁶ When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, “I also was in my dream, and there were three white baskets on my head. ¹⁷ In the uppermost basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my head.”

 

¹⁸ So Joseph answered and said, “This is the interpretation of it: The three baskets are three days. ¹⁹ Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head from you and hang you on a tree; and the birds will eat your flesh from you.”

 

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Joseph had given the butler an interpretation of his dream that sounded favorable. The baker decided to tell Joseph his dream. Joseph gave him the interpretation that was not favorable.

 

My Observations:

• The baker may have thought that Joseph was there to only spread good news.
• The baker may have thought that he was going to get some good news since he had a dream on the same day and it included similar numbers.
• Birds symbolize predators and prey, but in this instance, it means predator birds will feast on the bakers body that was displayed as a warning to people.

 

Thinking that Joseph was only there for good news made the baker tell Joseph his dream. He misinterpreted Joseph’s role. Joseph was simply the messenger. The baker may have wanted Joseph to be the cause for his escape from Pharoah.

 

We do the same as the Baker. We only want to hear good news from the interpreters of GOD’s word. But there are difficult messages that may cause us to question GOD. In this slice of history, the baker was under a cold and heartless Pharoah. He, and others, were put to death  for even the slightest infraction. GOD gave Joseph the interpretation.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about the interpretation of the baker?
• Are there some difficult things about GOD’s sovereignty that can cause you to question HIS approach?
• If you have questions about GOD’s approach, are you willing to ask HIM for clarification so you can apply it to your life?

Oh, It’s Going to Happen!

Oh, It’s Going to Happen!

Genesis 40: ⁹ Then the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, “Behold, in my dream a vine was before me, ¹⁰ and in the vine were three branches; it was as though it budded, its blossoms shot forth, and its clusters brought forth ripe grapes. ¹¹ Then Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.”

 

¹² And Joseph said to him, “This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days. ¹³ Now within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your place, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand according to the former manner, when you were his butler. ¹⁴ But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house. ¹⁵ For indeed I was stolen away from the land of the Hebrews; and also I have done nothing here that they should put me into the dungeon.”

 

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Joseph was given a dream that he told to his brothers. He dreamt that his entire family would one day bow down to him. His brothers became enraged and plotted to kill him. The sold him into slavery, but THE LORD was with him. He was slandered and thrown in prison. Pharoah’s butler was also thrown in prison. He told Joseph about a dream. Joseph interpreted the dream.

 

My Observations:

• Not only did GOD give Joseph a prophetic dream, HE also gave him the gift of being able to spiritually interpret dreams.
• The butler was going to be restored by GOD and there was nothing the butler did differently to earn this restoration.
• Joseph knew this was going to happen, so he asked the butler to put in a good word for him.

 

When GOD says something will happen, it’s going to happen! GOD was working, even in prison. Joseph explained how he did not deserve to be in prison. He was innocent. Potiphar’s wife had lied on him, yet there he was. Little did Joseph know, he was given a gift that needed to be used on a specific person.

 

GOD wanted Joseph to speak to the butler. The entire situation was orchestrated by GOD. HE took Pharoah’s arrogance and mixed it in with an innocent butler and topped it off with an innocent prisoner named Joseph. GOD would later use this interpretation for Joseph’s benefit. Joseph knew this was going to happen so he asked for a good word from the butler.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Joseph interpreting the dream?
• Have you ever been in a situation that you cannot get yourself out of?
• Can you praise GOD for seeing you and for HIS plan to break you out of the prison you may think you are in?

Where Help Comes From

Where Help Comes From

Genesis 40: ⁵ Then the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison, had a dream, both of them, each man’s dream in one night and each man’s dream with its own interpretation. ⁶ And Joseph came in to them in the morning and looked at them, and saw that they were sad. ⁷ So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in the custody of his lord’s house, saying, “Why do you look so sad today?”

 

⁸ And they said to him, “We each have had a dream, and there is no interpreter of it.”

 

So Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please.”

 

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After days, weeks or even months, the butler and the baker had dreams on the same night. Joseph saw they were sad, so he asked both of them “Why?” The both said they had dreams but no one to interpret them. Joseph told them that interpretations of dreams come from GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Both men had significant dreams versus something they could make sense of.
• GOD provided both men their dreams on the same night and HE disturbed them.
• Joseph saw something was wrong with both of them, which shows his character.

 

Seeing the sadness on their face and asking “What’s wrong?’ was probably rare in the Egyptian society. Joseph had walked with the LORD so long that he was concerned about people he barely knew. When they said they had disturbing dreams, Joseph knew that GOD could provide the interpretation.

 

Joseph showed he had a special relationship with GOD. He knew that he could ask GOD what the dreams mean and GOD would not hold back. That’s the kind of relationship I want with GOD, one that HE does not hold back anything I ask that is in alignment with HIS will. Joseph point the butcher and baker to the only solution, namely GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the sadness of the butcher and baker?
• Have you ever had significant dreams and needed GOD to tell you the meaning?
• Can you rest assured that GOD is the answer and has the answer to your problem?

Purposeful Custody

Purposeful Custody

Genesis 40: It came to pass after these things that the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt. ² And Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief butler and the chief baker. ³ So he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison, the place where Joseph was confined. ⁴ And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them; so they were in custody for a while.

 

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After Joseph was thrown in prison, Pharoah decided that a couple of his leaders needed to be incarcerated.  He threw the chief butler and the chief baker in jail. They were place in custody under Joseph.

 

My Observations:

• The Egyptian leaders worked together to display their harsh, cruel power over servants.
• Joseph did not expect that he would be placed over the chief butler and the chief baker.
• GOD used Pharoah’s cruelty to set Joseph up for HIS success.

 

Joseph was given a dream by GOD and it seemed to get him in trouble. BUT JESUS was with him. His prison sentence was used by GOD for a better purpose. Eventually we will see that the butler and baker will have dreams given from GOD.

 

Joseph will be in the right place at the right time to interpret the dreams. All three men experienced imprisonment under the Egyptian rule. They could not change their circumstances by any effort of their own. They were trapped without a date for freedom. BUT GOD was there.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD point out to Moses that shortly after Joseph was put in prison, the butler and baker were placed there as well?
• Do you believe there are no coincidences with GOD?
• Do you believe GOD has you in the situation you are in for HIS supernatural purpose?

New Assignment

New Assignment

Genesis 39: ¹⁹ So it was, when his master heard the words which his wife spoke to him, saying, “Your servant did to me after this manner,” that his anger was aroused. ²⁰ Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison. ²¹ But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. ²² And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. ²³ The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.

 

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After being lied on, Joseph was thrown in Jail by Potiphar. But the LORD was with him. The prison keeper showed favor to Joseph and placed him in charge of all of the prisoners.

 

My Observations:

• This prison was probably a place that made the slaves do even more work for the Egyptians.
• I believe the pre-incarnate JESUS would visited Joseph and the HOLY SPIRIT worked on the heart of the prison keeper.
• GOD allowed Joseph to go to prison to also give the prisoners favor.

 

Frome being thrown in a pit to being placed over the palace to being put into prison, Joseph had a strange ride in life. He didn’t ask for the dream GOD gave him and GOD knew that. So far, he was hated by his brothers and lied on by Potiphar’s wife. JESUS walked with Joseph every step of the way. Joseph’s fame may have preceded him as he entered prison.

 

The prison keeper may have known who Joseph was and may have heard of his skills. The men who threw Joseph in jail probably knew about Potiphar’s wife’s lie, but they had to follow orders. GOD orchestrated Joseph’s success in prison for a long-term future assignment. Joseph would one day need the prisoner’s help. GOD gave Joseph a strange assignment that had HIS favor.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about the favor HE showed Joseph in prison?
• Have you ever ended up in a figurative prison that robbed you of hope?
• Do you believe that the LORD is with you and HE needs you to view your assignment in a way that HE is showing you favor?

Resilient Character Building

Resilient Character Building

Genesis 39: ¹⁰ So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her.

 

¹¹ But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, ¹² that she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside. ¹³ And so it was, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and fled outside, ¹⁴ that she called to the men of her house and spoke to them, saying, “See, he has brought in to us a Hebrew to mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice. ¹⁵ And it happened, when he heard that I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me, and fled and went outside.”

 

¹⁶ So she kept his garment with her until his master came home. ¹⁷ Then she spoke to him with words like these, saying, “The Hebrew servant whom you brought to us came in to me to mock me; ¹⁸ so it happened, as I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me and fled outside.”

 

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Potiphar’s wife propositioned Joseph, day after day after day. He may have tried to avoid her, or ignore her, but she got to the point where she was not going to take “no” for an answer. She aggressively pursued Joseph, but he escaped. He left his garment and she thought of a lie.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph had integrity and character because he was following GOD.
• Abram was called a Hebrew and so was Joseph.
• Even when Joseph showed extreme character, he could still be lied on and slandered.

 

When all else fails, defamation of character seems to be the tool used against those who refuse to bow to evil ways. Joseph was doing well until he met Potiphar’s wife. Her desire to get what she wanted made her dream up a lie to cover her actions. She may have thought Joseph would tell on her, but she did not know Joseph had extreme character that would not do that.

 

Joseph’s restraint was the right thing to do, yet he found himself in a situation he did not cause. He did not tell Potiphar that his wife was constantly pursuing him, probably because he did not want her to get in trouble. But she had no problem with telling as many people about her lie as possible. Joseph’s character was now being put to test even though he did no wrong.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Potiphar’s wife’s’ advances toward Joseph?
• Have you ever had your character defamed?
• Can you stand firm in your walk with the LORD even when people are mislabeling you and even slandering you?

A Different Goal

A Different Goal

Genesis 39: Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.

 

⁷ And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.”

 

⁸ But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. ⁹ There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”

 

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Potiphar placed Joseph over all his wealth and the management of the household. His wife started looking at Joseph in a desirous way. But Joseph refused her bold and direct approach.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph knew it would be wrong to sleep with Potiphar’s wife, probably because the pre-incarnate JESUS told him it was wrong.
• Joseph’s father had babies from various women, but Joseph was taught something different by the LORD.
• Joseph’s goal was to please the LORD, even though he was still a slave to Potiphar.

 

I believe it was JESUS that blessed Joseph and HE provided him with wisdom to become successful in Potiphar’s household. I also believe that Potiphar’s wife was influenced by the ways of Canaan, so she would seek to get what she wanted no matter the cost.

 

Joseph seemed to have a close relationship with GOD. He may have had conversations with HIM daily. This may have been the reason it was easy to resist the approaches of Potiphar’s wife. Joseph’s integrity seemed to stem from the constant communication he kept with the LORD.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about this conversation between Joseph and Potiphar’s wife?
• Have you ever been in a situation where everything was going well for you and a temptation pops up?
• Should you increase your conversations with the LORD when you are feeling weak and vulnerable?

Trusted Blessings

Trusted Blessings

Genesis 39: Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there. ² The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. ³ And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. ⁴ So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. ⁵ So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. ⁶ Thus he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate.

 

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Joseph was given a dream by GOD that his father and brothers would one day bow to him. Some of his brothers wanted to kill him but Reuben and Judah convinced the others to do something less lethal by selling Joseph to the Ishmaelites where he was then sold to the Egyptians. Potiphar bought Joseph as a slave.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph’s story continues from where it left off, after he was sold, but wee don’t know how many years have passed.
• The pre-incarnate LORD visited Joseph daily and helped him be successful.
• Potiphar trusted Joseph because the LORD was with him.

 

Extreme trust was placed on Joseph by Potiphar. He trusted Joseph so much, that he didn’t even count his money anymore. He was only concerned about the next meal he ate. The LORD stayed with Joseph and blessed all he did.

 

Joseph, like many others who had been left alone, probably needed JESUS to walk with him to remain encouraged. He was sold into slavery, never to see his father again, or so he thought. JESUS had to keep him encouraged, so HE stayed with him. Potiphar was only concerned with becoming wealthy. He did not mind JESUS coming around Joseph. He became blessed because of Joseph’s favor.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD emphasize to Moses that “The LORD was with Joseph?”
• Have you ever felt alone and wanted to give up?
• Do you realize that the LORD is with you today and is walking through your troubles with you?

 

Unexpected Breakthrough

Unexpected Breakthrough

Genesis 38: ²⁷ Now it came to pass, at the time for giving birth, that behold, twins were in her womb. ²⁸ And so it was, when she was giving birth, that the one put out his hand; and the midwife took a scarlet thread and bound it on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” ²⁹ Then it happened, as he drew back his hand, that his brother came out unexpectedly; and she said, “How did you break through? This breach be upon you!” Therefore his name was called Perez. ³⁰ Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand. And his name was called Zerah.

 

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When Tamar was ready to give birth, a midwife got ready. When the first baby stuck out his hand, the midwife tied a scarlet thread around it. But his brother came out unexpectedly.

 

My Observations:

• Tamar’s midwife must have delivered a lot of babies and knew by Tamar’s size, that she was having twins.
• Zerah was expected to come out first, but Perez came out unexpectedly.
• Perez would become the one who would be in the lineage of JESUS.

 

Humans expect things to happen one way, BVUT GOD makes them happen another. The midwife knew a lot about delivering babies, therefore had an expectation. But that expectation was met with the unexpected. Same goes with our lives. We expect GOD to act one way, and HE does something unexpected.

 

Unlike Esau and Jacob, there was no fighting in the womb. Both brothers were mentioned in the lineage of JESUS. Zerah got a shout out, but Perez had the descendants. The King of kings and the LORD of Lords would come through an unexpected breakthrough.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD go into detail to Moses about the birth of Perez and Zerah?
• What are your expectations of GOD?
• Can you believe that GOD is orchestrating an unexpected breakthrough for you?

Realized Mistake

Realized Mistake

Genesis 38: ²⁰ And Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman’s hand, but he did not find her. ²¹ Then he asked the men of that place, saying, “Where is the harlot who was openly by the roadside?”

And they said, “There was no harlot in this place.”

²² So he returned to Judah and said, “I cannot find her. Also, the men of the place said there was no harlot in this place.”

²³ Then Judah said, “Let her take them for herself, lest we be shamed; for I sent this young goat and you have not found her.”

²⁴ And it came to pass, about three months after, that Judah was told, saying, “Tamar your daughter-in-law has played the harlot; furthermore she is with child by harlotry.”

So Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned!”

²⁵ When she was brought out, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, “By the man to whom these belong, I am with child.” And she said, “Please determine whose these are—the signet and cord, and staff.”

²⁶ So Judah acknowledged them and said, “She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah my son.” And he never knew her again.

 

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Judah did not know he slept with his daughter-in-law. He thought she was a harlot. Instead of looking for her to pay her, he sent the payment by his friend Hirah, who could not find the harlot. After three months, Tamar was discovered to be pregnant. Judah’s friends accused her of being a harlot.  But Tamar exposed Judah as being the father.

 

My Observations:

• Judah seemed ashamed that he slept with a harlot, otherwise known as a prostitute.
• Judah seemed to want to get the payment over with so his deed could be swept under the rug.
• Judah wanted to burn Tamar for acting like a prostitute, but realized it was him who got her pregnant and it was because he never gave his son to her.

 

When GOD told Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, Abraham probably thought his descendants would love the LORD as much as he did. He probably thought his family would be honorable and that GOD would pour out HIS blessings on a clean family who obeyed well. But that was not the case.

 

JESUS came from a messy family who made mistakes like you and me. Judah became the father of the lineage of JESUS through his daughter-in-law Tamar. Deceit, lust, false accusation and many other unexpected things happened, yet GOD chose this family. Judah accepted responsibility and never slept with Tamar again.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Judah’s shameful approach?
• What are your expectations of GOD and are they based on misinformation about HIS grace?
• Will you realize how much grace GOD is showing you today?

Hidden Purpose

Hidden Purpose

Genesis 38: ¹¹ Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in your father’s house till my son Shelah is grown.” For he said, “Lest he also die like his brothers.” And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house.

 

¹² Now in the process of time the daughter of Shua, Judah’s wife, died; and Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite. ¹³ And it was told Tamar, saying, “Look, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep.” ¹⁴ So she took off her widow’s garments, covered herself with a veil and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place which was on the way to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given to him as a wife. ¹⁵ When Judah saw her, he thought she was a harlot, because she had covered her face. ¹⁶ Then he turned to her by the way, and said, “Please let me come in to you”; for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law.

So she said, “What will you give me, that you may come in to me?”

 

¹⁷ And he said, “I will send a young goat from the flock.”

 

So she said, “Will you give me a pledge till you send it?”

 

¹⁸ Then he said, “What pledge shall I give you?”

 

So she said, “Your signet and cord, and your staff that is in your hand.” Then he gave them to her, and went in to her, and she conceived by him. ¹⁹ So she arose and went away, and laid aside her veil and put on the garments of her widowhood.

 

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Years had passed after Judah’s sons were killed by the LORD for doing evil. Judah’s only living son had grown up enough to be married, but Judah did not present him to Tamar as promised. Judah had a daughter who died during this time. With three of his children dead, it took time for Judah to become comforted. He went to shear his sheep.

 

My Observations:

• Judah was probably very cautious about giving Shelah to Tamar because of the loss of three children.
• Tamar waited years and it did not seem like she would be married to who she was promised to.
• Tamar hid her identity, pretending to be something she wasn’t.

 

There is a lot going on here that is difficult to unpack. We are given the graphic details of the negotiation. Tamar may have seen that Judah was not reliable for many reasons. All she knew was the promise made to her was broken.

 

Her plan was to appeal to her father-in-law as a harlot so she could conceive a child. Her plan worked and she conceived. GOD’s promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was satisfied by Tamar’s hidden action.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Tamar’s actions?
• How does this story make you feel about GOD’s grace?
• Are you able to see GOD differently today so HIS grace can work out your situation?

It’s Complicated

It’s Complicated

Genesis 38: It came to pass at that time that Judah departed from his brothers, and visited a certain Adullamite whose name was Hirah. 2 And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua, and he married her and went in to her. 3 So she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Er. 4 She conceived again and bore a son, and she called his name Onan. 5 And she conceived yet again and bore a son, and called his name Shelah. He was at Chezib when she bore him.

 

6 Then Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. 7 But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord killed him. 8 And Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife and marry her, and raise up an heir to your brother.” 9 But Onan knew that the heir would not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in to his brother’s wife, that he emitted on the ground, lest he should give an heir to his brother. 10 And the thing which he did displeased the Lord; therefore He killed him also.

 

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After selling Joseph to the Ishmaelites, Judah left his brothers and went to the Adullamites. There he married a Canaanite woman named Shua. She conceived three sons, Er, Onan and Shelah. Er and Onan were killed by the LORD for their evil decisions and lifestyles.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS chose Judah for HIS lineage.
• Judah chose to marry a woman who Isaac and Rebekah would not have been pleased with because of the Canaanite beliefs.
• Judah may or may not have been part of the conspiracy against Joseph.

 

JESUS is the “Lion of Judah.” But looking at the choices of Judah, it would seem that GOD was out of HIS mind. BUT GOD is gracious and sovereign at the same time. HE saw the wickedness of Er and killed him before he got to far with his evil. Er must have grown up enough to have committed adult evil actions. He had a wife named Tamar.

 

Judah seemed to raise his sons to be like the Canaanites. Two out of three were killed by the LORD for their evil ways. Onan’s evil is complicated. It seems more than disobedience and selfishness, rather a mixture of wanting to be known, but his brother would be known instead. GOD chose a family that would seem messed up and dysfunctional. HE knew what HE was doing.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about where Judah went to start a family?
• Do you think your background is really messed up?
• Can you believe that GOD seems to delight in choosing messed up people to do HIS greatest work?