January 14
Read Genesis 40 - 42
In Today's Reading:
Dreams interpreted by Joseph; Joseph made a ruler of Egypt; his brothers buy corn and bow down to him; Simeon detained
Thirteen years had passed since Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery. Following that horrible ordeal, he experienced many pitiful disappointments. Consider his many lonely nights suffering as an innocent prisoner, whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron (Psalm 105:18). Joseph spent many years as a slave but never became bitter. He remained faithful to the Lord.
At the age of 30, Joseph was called to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. Joseph answered Pharaoh . . . God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace (Genesis 41:16). Because the Lord interpreted the dreams through Joseph, Pharaoh acknowledged him as the wisest man in Egypt. This former outcast then received Pharaoh's own ring as a sign of his new authority as second ruler over all the land of Egypt (41:39-44). The dreams that Joseph experienced many years before now were becoming a reality.
We may endure months, or even years, when it may appear that God either does not care about us or will not do anything about our circumstances. The faithless critic blames God for his problems and complains: "Why me?" However, God has amazing ways of developing our talents, maturing us spiritually, and honoring all who remain faithful to Him.
All of us have known someone who seemed so promising for future service for the Lord but who succumbed to Satan's temptation, such as his assistant of whom the Apostle Paul wrote: Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world (II Timothy 4:10). This does not imply that Demas had rejected what Paul was preaching. By today's standards, he wanted future security, better pay, less work, and retirement benefits. Demas left the Lord's ministry for secular benefits that are often disappointing and seldom satisfying At best, they only last for this short lifetime but then comes the awful regret. All of us need to seriously consider that Jesus said: Take no thought for your life (daily needs). . . . (For after all these things does the world seek:) . . . But seek . . . first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matthew 6:25-33).
Christ Revealed:
By the wisdom of Joseph (Genesis 41:39). Christ; In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:2-3).
Word Studies:
40:3 in ward = in custody; 41:2 kine = cows; 41:56 waxed sore = became severe; 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 BP Staff: Bernice Rathbone · Country: Haiti (7 million) in the West Indies · Major languages: French and Creole · Religious freedom · 75% Roman Catholic; 17% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your hands in surrender and praise as you pray (Psalm 63:4).
Optional Reading: Matthew 14
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 5:22