Bible Pathway - Jan. 14, 2012
Read Genesis 40
Highlights:
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 horrifying ordeal, he experienced many pitiful disappointments. Consider his many lonely nights suffering emotionally and physically as an innocent prisoner, whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron (Ps. 105:18). Joseph spent many years as a slave but he never became bitter. Through it all 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 (Gen. 41:16). Because the Lord interpreted the dreams through Joseph, Pharaoh acknowledged Joseph 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 had experienced many years earlier were now becoming reality.
We may endure months, or even years, when it appears that God either does not care about us or cannot 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 and maturing us spiritually through difficult times, if we 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 the Apostle Paul's assistant of whom he wrote: Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world (II Tim. 4:10). This does not necessarily mean that Demas had rejected what Paul was preaching. By today's standards, he probably wanted future security, better pay, less work, and retirement benefits. Demas left the Lord's ministry for secular benefits that are often disappointing, seldom satisfying, and without eternal value. All of us need to seriously consider that Jesus admonished us to take no thought for your life (daily needs). . . . (For after all these things do the Gentiles (the world) seek:). . . . But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matt. 6:25-33).
Thought for Today:
They returned again to Lystra . . . Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:21-22).
Christ Revealed:
By the wisdom of Joseph (Gen. 41:39). Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 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 Government Officials: Gov. Beverly Perdue (NC) and Rep. Michael T. McCaul (TX) • Country: Mozambique (19 million) on the eastern coast of Africa • Major language: Portuguese • Religious freedom • 40% worship of false gods, ancestral spirits, and some witchcraft; 23% Roman Catholic; 14% Protestant; 13% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord's teaching; grow and mature in your prayer life (Luke 11:1).
Optional Reading: Matthew 14
Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:15
