Bible Pathways - Jan. 14, 2007
In Today's Scripture 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 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 (Psalm 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 (Genesis 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 Timothy 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 (Matthew 6:25-33).
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 =b> in custody; 41:2 kine =b> cows; 41:56 waxed sore =b> became severe; 42:7 strange =b> as a stranger; 42:9 nakedness of the land =b> weak points of our defense; 42:27 espied =b> saw; 42:34 traffick =b> do business; 42:38 mischief =b> harm.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Rick Hash Government Official: Rep. Michael McCaul (TX) Country: Bulgaria (9 million) in southeastern Europe Major languages: Bulgarian and ethnic languages Newly opened to evangelism 62% Eastern Orthodox; 10% Muslim; 1% Roman Catholic; less than 1% Protestant Prayer Suggestion: Ask for boldness in telling others about the Lord (Psalm 119:46).
Optional Reading: Matthew 14
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:11
