January 26 - Genesis 41-42: Joseph Proves Faithful and It Saves a Nation

Today’s Reading: Genesis 41-42

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

See Joseph's attitude when faced with the potential for great fame.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Two years later Pharaoh had two dreams. At last the cupbearer remembered Joseph. Pharaoh asked Joseph to interpret. Joseph consulted God: seven years each of plenty and famine for Egypt. Pharaoh made Joseph his second-in-command, in charge of all Egypt. Joseph married Asenath and had two sons, Manasseh (Forget) and Ephraim (Double-Prosperity). People from all over the world came to buy grain in Egypt.
Jacob sent his remaining sons, save Benjamin, to buy food. Joseph concealed his identity. He imprisoned Simeon and told them to bring their youngest brother to prove they were not spies. Jacob was very distraught.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Joseph gives God the glory for interpreting dreams.

Joseph proves his righteousness again by telling Pharaoh that it was not his ability but

God giving him the ability to interpret dreams. This echoes the theme of Genesis, when people submit to God, good things happen.

God prepared Joseph for this very time.

What makes Joseph's story wonderful for followers of God is that he obeys God and God rewards him while he is still alive. But God does not only reward Joseph, He also rewards the people of Egypt and the surrounding areas. Egypt has been blessed by God and could bless the (nearby) world. This was the very purpose for which God had prepared Joseph. Being despised by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused of attempted rape, imprisoned, forgotten for two years—all of these things were tests of Joseph's faithfulness. Our problems and trials may be God's preparation for a great purpose in our future. When we continue to submit to God and give Him the glory for all we have, God's name is honored among the nations and they will allow the Creator to make all things right.

Joseph's brothers' trip to Egypt finally gave Joseph the chance to payback all that had been done to him.

Joseph's dreams came true. Here are 11 sheaves of corn bowing down to his. Joseph could have imprisoned or even executed them without answering to anyone. Benjamin, his full brother, was not there. He could have taken all competition from his little brother. Instead he gives them food, returns their money, and gives them a test. We will read the results of that test tomorrow. What great faith to have a chance at payback and not to give it.

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