(This is part of a series profiling the life of Joseph as conveyed in the book of Genesis. You can catch up on the rest of the series by clicking here. The following reflections cover Genesis 41:1-36)
The Troubled Pharaoh
Who is Pharaoh? He is not just a governing individual. He is not just a man with a position of prominence. He is the most important figure in the country and to some, he should be considered a god. Many ruling individuals in the future – from kings and queens to prime ministers and presidents to CEOs and others – would wish they had the level of reverence and power wielded by Pharaoh. You can tell he’s a big deal when even those who are placed in custody from his court are treated very well in their imprisonment when considering the situation with the baker and the butler. A troubled Pharaoh is a possible national crisis for Egypt. What troubles this Pharaoh? Two similar dreams.
I found it ironic that the telling of this episode sees a breakdown of the dream that Pharaoh experienced … and then later on Pharaoh gives the same detailed breakdown of the dream he experienced. His experience of getting two dreams is outlined twice. It could be irony, for sure … it could also be something else. It’s worth stating, however, that this is happening in a land that does not acknowledge God who revealed Himself to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This is a land still relatively foreign to Joseph who considers Joseph a foreigner. This great ruler of a great country is engaging with dreams that are troubling him and he is being used by the God who revealed Himself to Joseph’s fathers. It remains fascinating how various people from various backgrounds can be used by God to reveal His plans and purposes. In this case, as seen in its two-time telling, this dream had to be so memorable and evocative that Pharaoh wouldn’t forget what he experienced in a hurry. A message embedded strongly enough for it to be shared and for the message to be interpreted based on the strength of the content of the dream and its double nature.
The Butler Did It … At Last
Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “I remember my offenses today.”
Genesis 41:9 (ESV)
God’s timing, eh.
There was Joseph, insisting to this butler that he be remembered and then he’s duly forgotten for two whole years. It’s a wonder that he remembered, but then there are these opportunities that trigger something. It’s a pretty big opportunity as well as it’s all about dreams.
The timing is just right. It’s not right to us who think it was better for the butler to remember him at the time. Joseph wasn’t planning on spending the two years patiently waiting to be remembered. Yet there is something to consider about how not just the timing is on point, but also the impact of the service given to the utler remans strong enough for him to give a glowing reference to Pharaoh. The quality of your service may not always come to mind from those around at a time when you think is worthwhile. It is still worth persevering in patient quality service. Serving others will come with its own rewards and quality service from the heart can leave a lasting impact that can work beyond your own considerations.
An Audience with Pharoah
Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”
Genesis 41:16
You could take a ‘motivational’ take from Jospeh getting a shave and a change of clothes before meeting Pharaoh. A take that has it all about being ready for the opportunity when it arises. I won’t stop you taking that attitude if you want. The likelihood is, however, that it would not have been good protocol to approach such an authority without taking those actions anyway. So the takeaway is more about observing protocol in the given audience.
The better take to get from this part of Joseph’s life, is his reference to God. It’s not the first time he’s given credit to God for doing the interpreting. He could well have used the opportunity to take some credit and reinforce the reference given about him. This attitude of giving God the credit, though, is about humility and it is also the recognition that confirms the source of that humility. It challengesthe mindset that feels the need to push self and get the name known for incredible deed.
Joseph and the Interpretation
The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do.
Genesis 41:25
After listening carefully to the nature of the dreams, Joseph’s response in the interpretation is fascinating. God is outlining His plans through this one who claims to be god. It is God in control of this situation and God communicating in this situation. The clarity of that communication comes through the interpretation but God is still doing this through the Egyptian ruler. The nature of the interpretation is intriguing too, but it’s so fascinating again tosee how God talks to people who do not even acknowledge Him.
It’s another case of good news and bad news in this scenario, just as Joseph gave good news to the butler and bad news to the baker those years ago. Once more Jospeh is not reluctant or retiring when it comes to outlining just how devastating the bad news is. This man is diligent and faithful in taking his job of interpretation seriously and outlining what the just of it is. This degree of service in itself would be noteworthy and remarkable.
Joseph and a Suggestion
Yet on this occasion, Joseph doesn’t just stop at interpreting the dream. The strategy that Joseph outlines is stunning considering he’s only just come across the situation presented by Pharaoh. The suggestion put forward is sound and wise – make the most of the good times to be prepared for the bad times. This principle is just as valid today as it was then. Joseph is not even putting himself forward, he’s just giving Pharaoh wise counsel to ensure that not just him, but the entire country can survive and thrive in trying times. It is a strategy that’s not just about people in positions, it’s about policies in practice to thwart the implications of the famine.
Joseph is displaying remarkable wisdom that could also come from the same source as where he received interpretation of the dreams. God who gives insight on what will happen, is able to give insight in how to engage with what’s coming in such a way that keeps you ahead of the curve. It’s outstanding wisdom that has the needs of the people at heart.
Joseph, Jesus and Us – Same and Different
It is easy to be self-absorbed. Very easy. If things go well, you relish that greatly. If things go wrong, you wallow in it and conduct pity parties of the highest quality. After all, it’s all about you and your fortunes and mood determine everything.
Someone who could have felt self-absorbed was Joseph. It’s been over a decade since he’s seen his family. It’s been over a decade since he had those dreams about being their ruler and he couldn’t feel further away. It’s been two years since he asked a butler to remember him when he got back to the side of Pharaoh. For all the favour he’s received, he is still a prisoner. Things still suck for him. None of that is in evidence when he’s given an audience. He is still willing to serve and He’s still eager to exercise those gifts to the benefit of others. Not only that, he’s still not taking the credit for what he’s able to do. He’s not chasing the glory, he’s simply offering his services in support of others. That starts with the welfare of Pharaoh and then extends to the welfare of the land of Egypt that Pharaoh rules over. It’s an expression of a character who is prepared to serve in whatever circumstances He finds Himself.
God reveals things to Pharaoh. That should make us stop and think carefully. He has revealed Himself through Jesus and we are grateful. God, however, still uses unorthodox sources to reveal His will and plan. Whether it’s an Ethiopian financial treasurer for Philip, or a Roman centurion called Cornelius for Peter to get an understanding of the implications of the gospel. It is not for us to shut the door on people being used by God to communicate truths to us.
Much later in history, Jesus, somehow connected to Joseph by lineage, displays a similar quality of serving under all circumstances. He’s hunted by religious rulers yet still continues to teach and heal. He serves people from a variety of backgrounds despite the range of responses to His teaching. Even when He’s arrested on false charges, he can still bring healing to one of the officers who is injured during a brief skirmish with the disciples. Not only does He serve, but He also shows tremendous wisdom to others in His engagement with them. He shows this godly wisdom because He is godly wisdom personified.
This service and this wisdom underline the mission that He accomplishes and sets the example for those who follow Him. That service and wisdom are not about being self-absorbed. They are about seeing opportunities to serve and using what God has given you to meet those needs. Whether that affects an individual’s troubling mental well-being or goes on to establish wise counsel and policy that can impact a nation for generations.
Questions from Joseph: Wisdom and Interpretation
- It’s been two years since Joseph interpreted the dream of the living butler – why do you think he’s ready, willing and able to be of service – what does that tell you about his character?
- God reveals what will happen through Pharaoh – what does that tell you about God?
- God grants Joseph the ability to interpret the dream – what does this tell you about God?
- Where is Joseph’s suggestion to Pharaoh coming from – what does that tell you about his character and how can that be of help to you in life?
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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