The wheel of Joseph's life #4 (the throne)

November 12, 2020 (Thursday)

 

We left Joseph, in chapter 40, in prison and forgotten. He had become the servant to prisoners. It seems things could not get any worse. What is God doing? How long would it take? Join me in exploring the wheel of Joseph’s life as it turns one more time.

 

Chapter 41:1 starts with a sad and ominous tone, “After two whole years, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing by the Nile.” [ESV] In a society where we expect our drive through food in 30 seconds (yes the industry standard), two years would seem to be an eternity. It also seems, every time God speaks to foreign leaders, He uses dreams.

 

The dream is a two part dream. Seven fat cows are eating, they are eaten by seven skinny cows. Startled Pharaoh woke up. After falling asleep he sees seven plump heads of grain. These are swallowed by seven thin heads. “In the morning, he was disturbed and summoned all of Egypt’s religious experts and all of its advisors. Pharaoh described his dreams to them, but they couldn’t interpret them for Pharaoh.” [Genesis 41:8 CEB]

 

I am curious how they decided they couldn’t interpret the dream. I’m guessing whatever method they used (assuming they used a method) was thwarted by God. In their time of desperation, God moves. “Finally, the king’s chief cup-bearer spoke up. “Today I have been reminded of my failure,” he told Pharaoh.” [Genesis 41:9 NLT] Oops.

 

The cupbearer admits to what happened and tells the story of how Joseph interpreted his dream while he was in prison. My suspicion is the failure may have been part of the pattern that put the cupbearer in prison in the first place. However, the story is silent. The point is just-in-time, God provides for Egypt.

 

“Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they quickly brought him out of the pit. And when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came in before Pharaoh.” [Genesis 41:14 ESV] Pharaoh asks if Joseph can interpret his dream. Joseph says only God can interpret a dream. Pharaoh reveals the dreams, Joseph tells him what they mean. Notice, the years of excess and famine are done by God (see Genesis 41:32).

 

Then with the audacity of a condemned man with nothing to lose, Joseph suggest a solution to the threat, “And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt.” [Genesis 41:33 NIV] The plan is to store food for seven years to get through the seven lean years.

 

Pharaoh then elevates Joseph from prison to second in command of all Egypt. “You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours.” [Genesis 41:40 NLT] To emphasize the point he gives Joseph his signet ring, clothed him in royal clothing, and put a gold chain around his neck. Joseph then received a ride in the second chariot and Pharaoh made all Egypt bow before him. And Joseph was given a wife, the daughter of an important priest to cement him in with society's powerful people.

 

It has been a long journey. Joseph has finally been delivered from slavery and prison. This all happened because God was having mercy on the area. Joseph’s story and its timing is not about Joseph. It is about God grace extended to those who do not know Him. 

The story is not over yet. The family intrigue is about to restart. Stay tuned!