H – Highlight
Genesis 41:15-16 – 15 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” 16 Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”
E – Explain
The context is familiar. Pharaoh has had a dream, and finally the cup-bearer remembers to tell his master about joseph. Now Pharaoh asks joseph to interpret his dream. And Joseph, for his part, is quick to give the credit for any good that happens here to God.
A – Apply
Two things have crossed my mind in this passage. One is that it took two full years after Joseph met the cup-bearer for this man to remember Joseph. This had to be a very hard time. Two years in prison, even when Joseph was the highest ranking prisoner, had to be disturbing. We must recall that God works good things at God’s own timing. God’s timing is perfect, even if we might think the slow pace of change maddening.
But the real point that grabbed my attention today was the humility of Joseph. This man was careful not to try to make himself look good by claiming an ability that was not innately his. Joseph did not brag about his particular gift. Instead, Joseph pointed all the glory to God. This is a thing we want to remember and model.
R – Respond
Lord, I praise you for your perfection. Your timing is perfect. Even when things do not happen at the pace I desire, help me to remember that you are still working your will. You did so in the life of Joseph, and you are doing so in mine.
I also ask you to help me always point to you. I acknowledge here and now that there is no good thing in me that is not a gift from you. I did not earn my salvation—even my faith is a gift. I did not grant myself any abilities. Only you can make any good come from me, and thus all the glory is yours.
Pastor Travis Peterson 