Genesis 39:1 - 41:57
Here we see the Lord was with Joseph in all that he did. How likely is it that we would see God's hand at work when we have been sold as a slave and are a captive in a foreign land? Joseph must have listened well to his father Jacob, for when he is tempted he says "How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?"
For his response Joseph is sent to prison, where again God is with him. Is it that Joseph is staying with God? How easy it would have been to give in to the temptation for its own sake and yet to go that way, would have been away from God. In going to prison Joseph stays in God's plan. How can prison be in the plan? Joseph must pay attention to the Lord for evidence. Others see it, as the chief guard puts Joseph in charge of all that goes on, and trusts him; I bet it isn't often you get trustworthy prisoners-so Joseph must have been obvious.
When asked to interpret dreams Joseph says God gives dreams and their interpretation. Has he remembered his own dream? What does he make of it now that he hears two dreams and God interprets them?
Oh for such a time as this...now we see that Pharaoh has a dream that none can explain, and finally Joseph is remembered in the dungeon. Joseph's circumstances change dramatically. Joseph is married and in great power, yet he calls his sons by names that mean God has made me forget my hardship (Manasseh), and God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction (Ephraim). Joseph has been long away from his father's house (more than 10 years as near as I can tell), he is in a land where God is not known, yet he recognizes God with him.
For me, this illustrates the need for patience. I don't know that I would be thankful to God and remember His word if I were away for so many years, and in a situation that is clearly not what I planned. Yet Joseph kept close to God and in any temptation he did not turn away; neither did God turn away from him.
I pray that I keep my eyes on the Lord, that I set my heart on the things of God, and His promises, that it might go well with me, and I might be a blessing.
See you tomorrow
-maggie
No comments:
Post a Comment