Joseph’s story: A Reflection of God’s Power and Provision.
8 They said to him, “We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them.” And Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.” Genesis 40:8 ESV
16 Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” Genesis 41:16 ESV
Most of us are most likely familiar with Joseph’s story and we can probably all agree that Joseph was in an impossible situation, one that he did not earn. He interpreted his dreams to his brothers and ended up being sold into slavery. Throughout his life, we see the favor of God fall on Joseph through him being blessed with positions of authority given by Potipher. Things were finally looking up for him when Potipher’s wife pursues him and then makes everyone believe that he pursued her. Joseph again without doing anything wrong, was sent to prison. In prison, God allowed him to find favor in the eyes of the guard. During his time there, 2 of the king’s staff were sent to prison and started having odd dreams. Joseph was familiar with interpreting dreams and offered to interpret theirs.
Next is a part of the story that I was struck with. Before Joseph even offered to interpret their dreams, he assured the prisoners that it was only God who could give this kind of revelation. It could be easy to read that and not take note of it, but as I reflected on the entire story of Joseph, I was specifically challenged by his humility. Joseph could have easily flexed his ability to interpret dreams so that he could move from his current situation into a better one. But before he committed to help, he acknowledged who gave him that ability in the first place.
I think about how often I am quick to say yes to something that I am gifted in without first acknowledging who the giver of good gifts is. I think that especially in the seminary context. We spend so much time trying to hone in on our gifts so that we can do them with excellence, but we forget about the purpose of the gift. Every good gift from God should be used to give him glory. Our finances, our talents, our time, and our job are all gifts given to us by our Creator and for his glory and our benefit. Friend, Do not get too attached to the gift that you forget the giver. And when we are given the opportunity to use our gifts, let’s first acknowledge God’s power on display and give him glory.
