Genesis

Bovine animals represented gods within Egyptian religion. Egypt was a major source of grain foods in the period. The activity of coming from the Nile is also significant as a source of water and path for trade in the region. Pharaoh recognized that this dream held great significance and perhaps, as Joseph later revealed both a threat and an opportunity.

As noted, Satan and his servants have power, but their power is not greater than God's power. Joseph credited God with the interpretation. In like fashion, we must recognize it is God's power and not ours that works for God's will.

God has equipped Joseph to offer an answer to Pharaoh and by also offering a solution to the situation, a demonstration of how God has provided him with the necessary wisdom. It was obviously not lost on Pharaoh as he appoints Joseph to the position he recommended. Of note is that Joseph continues to give God the credit and that he is only the willing servant.

Joseph had no apparent formal education to prepare him as a leader and manager for this effort. The text communicates to us that Joseph began immediately to put into action the solution God provided him. In similar fashion, we might not be formally equipped with knowledge and skills to carry out our mission to show God to the world but we should start with what we do have. God provides us with various talents and opportunities. We cannot wait until "someday" to act when we feel we have all the necessary knowledge and skill to serve the Lord in some way. We begin with what we have.

It may not be God's intention that this event in Joseph's life serve as a symbol of our reward for faithfulness, but it can serve as such.

Joseph found himself in a foreign land, forced away from family and home. He is beset by Satan testing him and through no fault of his own, he is now imprisoned. Through all of this, he remains faithful to God, even pointing to God as the source of his abilities. God was working through all of these events to bring about His will, but Joseph had to fulfill his role of seizing the moment to serve God when the opportunity presented itself.

In like fashion, we have committed our lives to God's service. Satan uses any means he can to discourage us and weaken our faith. As we continue in our faithfulness, God works His will through us and the events of our lives. In the end, as we remain faithful, He will elevate us to glory in His heavenly kingdom.

Three verses from scripture come to mind through the events of Joseph's rise from prison:

Proverbs 22:29 – "Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings' he will not stand before obscure men."

Romans 8:28 – "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

II Timothy 4:8 – "Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."

Living according to God's will includes living according to His timeline. Too often we seek our will first while seeking God's will. We want to serve God according to our will and way, and not according to His will and way.

We must remember that we are the servant. We serve humbly and allow God to reward as He chooses and when He chooses. He has promised the reward and we need to focus on faithfulness and leave the rewarding to God.

All that is good comes from God. He allows events to occur in our lives but He remains in control and seeks what is good for us. God does not bring evil, Satan does.