“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”

— John 15:4-5

This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)

Genesis 40/41

Our text for today comes from Genesis 40/41. It is the story of Joseph in prison. As you may remember, Joseph ended up in prison due to false allegations from Potiphar’s wife. While in prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams of two prisons, and ultimately, the dreams of Pharaoh. The two prisoners were the chief cupbearer and chief baker for Pharaoh. They were in prison because “they offended their lord the king of Egypt.”

Joseph noticed that they were downcast one day and asked what was troubling them. They responded, “We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them.” Joseph answered, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.”

The chief cupbearer and chief baker both told Joseph their dreams and Joseph interpreted the dreams on the spot. Things worked out great for the chief cupbearer, as his dream and interpretation resulted in him being released from prison and restored to his position as cupbearer. The chief baker was not so fortunate. His dream and interpretation resulted in his execution at the hands of Pharaoh.

Obviously, word spread that Joseph had the gift of interpreting dreams. Two years later, Pharaoh had a couple of dreams that disturbed him, and he desperately wanted someone to interpret the dreams for him. The chief cupbearer remembered Joseph at that point and mentioned to Pharaoh that Joseph (still in prison) could interpret his dreams. Pharaoh shared his dreams with Joseph – one involving seven sleek, fat cows and seven ugly, thin cows. The other dream involved seven ears of grain, plump and good, and seven ears of grain, thin and brightened by the wind. Joseph correctly interpreted these dreams as seven years of plenty for Egypt, followed by seven years of famine.

This is the point in the Joseph narrative where things take a drastic turn to the positive for Joseph. To say that Joseph got a promotion would be an understatement. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command; only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you…I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall lift a hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.”

What an amazing story! Joseph went from the pit to the prison to the palace. God was obviously at work in all his life, especially in the pit and the prison. Another great reminder that while God doesn’t necessarily cause bad things to happen to us, God specializes in redemption.

Joseph went on to become a great leader. He had all the power in Egypt to enact revenge on whomever he pleased – his brothers who sold him into slavery, Potiphar’s wife, the untold number of people who mistreated him along the way, etc. Yet Joseph not only resisted the temptation to “get even”, but he also went a step further and sought the good of all people, even those who hurt and mistreated him.

Our journey through the Joseph narrative concludes next week, when Joseph comes face to face with his brothers and forgiveness is on full display.

Prayer:

“Loving God, may me see through the life of Joseph that even when we face difficult situations and seasons, you are not only with us, but guiding us through to a better tomorrow in your grace. Amen.”

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION:

God created us to sleep one third of our lives. Why? Is there something not only restorative, but also spiritual about sleep and dreams?

God did not abandon Joseph in the pit, prison, or even the palace with all its temptations for an unhealthy ego and abuse of power. As you look back on your life, how has God been present and helped you work through your pits, prisons, and palaces?

Joseph was a great leader. What are some qualities of a great leader? Poor qualities?

Joseph did not abuse his authority. Later, we see the same thing in the life of Jesus. What did Jesus do with his authority as the Son of God and how might that serve as an example for us?

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