September 2, 2010

Genesis 41:1-16 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Growing in God's Wisdom

Introduction

Genesis 41:1-16: The king has dreams that upset him. The king's magicians and wise men don't know what they mean, so his wine steward suggests that he call Joseph to interpret them. Joseph tells him that he cannot interpret dreams alone, but that God can help them.

Today’s Scripture: Genesis 41:16

Joseph answered, "I cannot, Your Majesty, but God will give a favorable interpretation."

Today’s Reading

¹After two years had passed, the king of Egypt dreamed that he was standing by the Nile River, ²when seven cows, fat and sleek, came up out of the river and began to feed on the grass. ³Then seven other cows came up; they were thin and bony. They came and stood by the other cows on the riverbank, ⁴and the thin cows ate up the fat cows. Then the king woke up. ⁵He fell asleep again and had another dream. Seven heads of grain, full and ripe, were growing on one stalk. ⁶Then seven other heads of grain sprouted, thin and scorched by the desert wind, ⁷and the thin heads of grain swallowed the full ones. The king woke up and realized that he had been dreaming. ⁸In the morning he was worried, so he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. He told them his dreams, but no one could explain them to him. ⁹Then the wine steward said to the king, “I must confess today that I have done wrong. ¹⁰You were angry with the chief baker and me, and you put us in prison in the house of the captain of the guard. ¹¹One night each of us had a dream, and the dreams had different meanings. ¹²A young Hebrew was there with us, a slave of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams, and he interpreted them for us. ¹³Things turned out just as he said: you restored me to my position, but you executed the baker. ” ¹⁴The king sent for Joseph, and he was immediately brought from the prison. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came into the king's presence. ¹⁵The king said to him, “I have had a dream, and no one can explain it. I have been told that you can interpret dreams.” ¹⁶Joseph answered, “I cannot, Your Majesty, but God will give a favorable interpretation.”

Reflect

The king had advisors who practiced magic and tried to read future events by looking at how light reflected off liquids in a cup (44:5, 15). The wise men may have been priests who tried to get messages from unseen powers. Reread 41:16. What did Joseph's response to the king tell him about Joseph's God?

Pray

Wise and loving God, forgive me for times when I have relied on superstition or magical thinking rather than putting my trust in you. Deepen my faith, that I may follow your guidance in all aspects of my life. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Mental health professionals