Read Genesis 40 -- 42
In Today's Reading:
It's hard to put the Bible down as we continue to read the thrilling saga of Joseph's dramatic rise to rule Egypt. Unbeknown to his brothers, they do bow down to him, fulfilling the vision which had angered them.
Verses for Today:
Pharaoh said to Joseph, Forasmuch as God has showed you all this. . . . You shall be over my house. . . . And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt (Genesis 41:39-40).
Highlights:
Dreams interpreted by Joseph; Joseph made ruler of Egypt; his brothers buy corn (grain) and bow down to him; Simeon detained; brothers return to Jacob.
Satan had used Potiphar's wife to cause Joseph to be put into prison (Genesis 39:7-20); but God was behind the scenes, guiding and protecting His servant until He was ready for Joseph to be exalted.
It was no accident that Pharaoh had a dream. Nor was it an accident that Pharaoh's butler (cup bearer) remembered how Joseph had interpreted his dream two years earlier. God's time had come for Joseph to be released from prison and given a position of high honor and responsibility.
After Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream, Pharaoh made him ruler over all the land of Egypt, second only to himself. What a marvelous change took place in Joseph's circumstances -- from shame to glory, from prison to palace, from slave to exalted ruler! This was his reward for his faithfulness to the Lord regardless of his adverse circumstances.
Do you daily live in submission to the highly-exalted King of Kings, the Lord Jesus Christ? He lovingly calls: My little children, these things I write to you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous (1 John 2:1).
A Thought from Proverbs: Envy not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. For the froward (willful wrongdoer) is abomination (detestable) to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous (3:31-32).
Christ Revealed:
By the wisdom of Joseph (Genesis 41:39). Christ In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:2-3).
Word Studies:
40:3 in ward = in custody; 41:2 kine = cows; 41:19 badness = poor condition; 41:33 discreet = shrewd and discerning; 41:42 vestures = garments; 41:44 without thee = without your permission; 41:54 dearth = famine; 41:56 waxed sore = became severe; 42:3 corn = grain; 42:7 strange = as a stranger; 42:9 nakedness of the land = weak points of our defense; 42:27 espied = saw; 42:34 traffick = do business; 42:38 mischief = harm.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for the President · Country: Niger (10 million) in west-central Africa · Major languages: French and Hausa · Christian evangelism is limited · 89% Muslim; 10% animist; .4% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord in time of trouble, for He promises to hear us (Psalms 18:6).
Optional Reading: Matthew 14
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:4