V1 – After the cupbearer and the Baker, next is Pharaoh, who dreams. A unique characteristic is that they all seem to realize that these are not just dreams.
Is it possible that God speaks to us a lot in dreams, but we keep ignoring and rubbishing dreams off as “I ate too much” or “It’s because I thought about that too much yesterday.”– An even bigger question is, “How do I know which dreams are from God? “Are all dreams from God?”
This blog says, “So here’s the bottom line: Always remember all dreams, visions and prophecies must agree with the written Word of God.” How can I know if a dream is from God? | Kenneth Copeland Ministries (kcm.org)
V2-7 – Sometimes, dreams are repetitive. We have to be sensitive to realize that God is speaking to us. We should also ensure to measure everything by God’s word. We can also pray for wisdom from God when we don’t understand something.
Asking for understanding from God is consistent with God’s Word, see these verses:
James 1:5 NLT – If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
Philippians 4:6 NLT – Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
V8– Dreams are only interpreted through the Holy Spirit. It is the Lord who gives us understanding. Don’t trust your own understanding.
V9-13 – The Chief cup-bearer finally remembers his failure of forgetting Joseph. Two lessons here:
- God has a divine plan for me, and everything happens exactly at the time God wants. The Chief cup-bearer remembers at just the perfect time.
- When we plant words, especially God’s Word, in people… it never gets lost. The Spirit brings it to remembrance.
V14 – Don’t be careless about how you present yourself before people, an interview, church, etc. Be modest. Joseph, when called by Pharaoh, shaves and showers. He ensures He is presentable before the King.
V16– Joseph gives the glory to God. It is the Lord who reveals mysteries, not us. Joseph testifies about God’s power.
(Prayer – Forgive me, Father, for every time I take your word for granted. Truly, your word teaches us everything for life and Godliness. You teach us, Lord, by your Spirit. Like Joseph, help me to testify about you before all people and to give you Glory.)
V25-32 – God can come and tell us what will happen in the future. When there is a time of famine/difficulty coming, He tells you and is ready to prepare your heart. The biggest preparation that the Lord does is in preparing your heart. In Him only is true comfort and peace for all circumstances.
Question: How is your walk with the Lord? Is He the center of your life? Have you surrendered fully?
He tells Pharaoh what He is going to do. It’s also clear that God gives Pharaoh two dreams to insist He has decreed it. God directs leaders for the sake of everyone they lead and for his glory. He cares for us.
But do our leaders listen? Or do they ignore God’s word? Does our President listen? Do our Pastors listen?
(Prayer – Father, help our leaders to listen to you and to Heed what you say. Break our hearts and cause us to humble before you. If your message is unclear to them, may it be crystal clear, and may you remove doubts from their hearts. May you cause our leaders to understand that you tell us because you care for us.)
V33-36 – After God gives the dreams and their meaning, He now ensures that Pharaoh knows what needs to happen to prepare. God makes the message clear.
V37 – Pharaoh and the leaders heed and listen to God’s message. Pharaoh is wise. When our leaders listen, the people will be preserved.
V38 – Pharaoh and his people also see that Joseph is filled with the Spirit of God and that He is different. People see God in you when you are with Him.
V40 – God’s plan over Joseph continues coming into place. In an instant, Joseph moves from prisoner to Ruler of Egypt. He is second only to Pharaoh. Oh! How great God’s plans are for us. The key to life and its circumstances is to trust in the Lord and wait upon Him.
Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (ESV)
Lamentations 3:25 – “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” (ESV)
Psalm 130:5-6 – “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.” (ESV)
Psalm 37:34 – “Wait for the Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off.” (ESV)
Isaiah 64:4 – “From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.” (ESV)
Wait upon the Lord. Put your trust in Him. Stay with Him. Obey Him. Walk in Holiness. Love the Lord with everything you got. Love His Word daily. Regardless of the circumstance.
V46 – After He is made ruler, Joseph goes to work to inspect Egypt and gathers so much food that He stops counting. Joseph is a hard worker. He works hard and puts his trust in the Lord. We have to be this way!
V50-51 – Through the names of his sons, He testifies that the Lord has indeed been good to Him and wiped his tears.
V54-57 Because of obeying God, all of Egypt had food. And when it ended, Joseph had enough supply for everyone. All because of obeying God and then being diligent.
(Prayer – Lord, help us to obey you and be diligent to do what you say and follow your direction.)