Be Still…

Read Genesis 41:37-57

One minute a slave to a prison jailer as an inmate, the next, second only to Pharaoh himself! I’m sure Joseph felt like he was in a dream and needed to pinch himself to be sure it was real. How could it be? It was God’s perfect timing. All those years of faithfulness had brought Joseph to this moment.

Again, let’s put ourselves in Joseph’s shoes. He has had quite a journey in his life so far. They say he was 30 years old when today’s story takes place and he is given such responsibility. Leading him to this moment, he had been his father’s favorite son, and then abruptly sold into slavery at the approximate age of 17. For the next 13 years, he served Potiphar as a slave. You’ll recall he had lots of perks until Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him and then framed him for seducing her when Joseph refused her advances. Such a consequence for doing the right thing! The remaining years were spent in prison. Yet God was with him through it all, preparing him for this triumphant moment. Continue reading “Genesis 41:37-57 – Change of Plan”

Read Genesis 41:1-36

What were you doing two years ago today? Sometimes it’s hard to imagine or even remember as each day can look much like the next. Two years ago for me, I was rehearsing with a choir here in Mexico in preparation for a Christmas concert. It was a great way to meet new people and also using my gifts. Seems like yesterday, but at the same time, many moons have passed and we have grown so much in the two years time.

It had been two years for Joseph between yesterday’s reading and our reading today. Thinking of the time span is helpful to give us perspective. Now Joseph is finally remembered by the cupbearer as being the one who can interpret dreams. Pharaoh had two dreams that were stumping everyone. When he heard of this Hebrew boy, he called for Joseph, who was cleaned up and brought before Pharaoh. Continue reading “Genesis 41:1-36 – Feast or Famine?”

Read Genesis 40:1-23

Joseph must feel like he is invisible at times. As a prisoner, he has been put in charge of the other prisoners. Today’s scene involves two of Pharoah’s employees or slaves. They both have dreams, and apparently, the other prisoners aren’t giving them any help in interpreting what they mean.

I loved what Joseph said, “Interpreting dreams is God’s business.” How many times have you woken up from a dream and wondered if there was any hidden meaning? I know I have. I have never sought the services of a dream interpreter, nor do I think I ever will. I like the words Joseph speaks–that God is in the business of interpreting our dreams. God obviously used Joseph to tell these men what their dreams meant. Continue reading “Read Genesis 40:1-23 – Easily Forgotten”

Read Genesis 39:1-23

I’ve always like the story of Joseph. God was with him, and everything he touched was blessed. Don’t we all hope for that in our own lives? We want everything we do to succeed and be blessed. So why don’t we feel successful? Why do we sometimes fail?

That’s definitely a question to ponder. For us who are God-fearing followers of Jesus, we want that same blessing in our lives. When we live how God wants for us to live, blessings do follow. Our troubles start when we venture out on our own, making our own rules, deciding on a plan without checking in with God. If we want God’s blessing, we need to be faithful to him. Continue reading “Genesis 39:1-23 – With God”

Read Genesis 38:1-30

We’re going to take a bit of a commercial break from our storyline involving Joseph. Today’s reading centers on one of Joseph’s brothers, Judah. Not the oldest of Jacob’s sons, but one of the ancestors of Jesus Christ. What surprised you about this story? Feel free to share in the comments.

We learn a little about the law at that time and expectations of how the inheritance of a family line works. Judah’s oldest son marries Tamar but they have no children. By custom, the next brother in line will then be with his deceased brother’s wife to give his brother an heir. It’s an interesting arrangement, but here Judah’s second son wants nothing to do with this custom. Because of his disobedience, his life ends, too. Now the poor bride is left husbandless again.  Continue reading “Genesis 38:1-30 – Deception”