Learning from OT Greats: Joseph - From the Pit to the PalaceSample

Day 4: Joseph interprets Dreams

Thoughts on the Passage

Joseph was put in charge of these two men who angered the Pharaoh – the leader of the land. That is not a small task. We see that one of them will die for what he did, so they are under special watch. That special job was given to Joseph. How does Joseph do this job? He takes care of them physically, but he also takes care of them by interpreting their dreams.

Joseph could have treated them as criminals – which at least one of them was. Instead he treated them like people whom God was interested in. God sent them dreams and Joseph was willing to interpret the dreams. I think Joseph had a heart for people treated badly – whether they deserved it or not. We also see something very important here – Joseph understood dreams and how to interpret them. He had his own dreams and God enabled Joseph to know how to understand other people’s dreams as well. Joseph did not claim this as a personal gift – it was something that God gave to him and he acknowledged it as coming from God. 

Joseph correctly interprets the dreams. In doing it he also asks the butler to help him get out of this prison. Some see this as a man seeking justice. Others see it as Joseph trying to bypass the timing of God. I do not know which it is – maybe both. Regardless, the butler forgets Joseph and Joseph stays in prison. However, this story has a special purpose – it will get Joseph out soon, but in a way he does not expect. God is about to change Joseph’s life dramatically.

Application to our Lives

Just be faithful in little things. Treat all people with dignity and respect. When God speaks to them, use that opportunity to help them understand God’s message to them.

In the end, it is God’s timing that is important, not what we think God should do. Seek to understand God’s timing.

Time to Pray
Father, Joseph is being treated like a slave – and he hates it. I do not blame him in the least. However, I wonder if his mistreatment opened the door for his willingness to assist others put in similar situations? He just ministered to the needs of these needy people that You were talking to. I want to think I would do the same – but I might just be too busy feeling sorry for myself. So give me eyes to see hurting people around me. Give me a heart to help them. Give me peace when I struggle with injustice. Give me hope that You still have Your eye on me. In Jesus name, Amen.