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Joseph has been in slavery in Egypt for many years by the time we come to Genesis 41. He was sold by his brothers into bondage, became the leader of Potiphar’s home only to be thrown in prison for refusing to fall to the temptations of Potiphar’s wife. In prison he assisted the cupbearer and baker only to be forgotten and left to rot. More than two years have gone by since he was thrown in prison yet when we encounter Joseph again he’s still obedient to God, he still trusts God even though the circumstances have been far from promising in a long time.
In chapter 41, Pharaoh has two dreams: the first is of 7 lean cows consuming 7 fat cows, and the second where 7 thin ears of grain consume 7 good ears of grain. Pharaoh’s magicians are stumped and cannot interpret these dreams when the cupbearer finally remembers his promise to Joseph and presents Joseph as a dream interpreter before Pharaoh.
At this point, Joseph has every reason to be bitter and disillusioned. He has every reason to doubt God cares about his plight and has any plan to care for him, but instead of doubting God, Joseph humbles himself before the king of kings. When Pharaoh asks Joseph to interpret the dreams, Joseph replies “It is not me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” This reply seems insignificant at first glance, but understanding Egyptian culture sheds light on the audacity and boldness of Joseph’s words. Ancient Egyptians considered Pharaoh a god, the greatest in the land, so for Joseph to speak of God giving an answer to Pharaoh is an insult to Pharaoh, because it claims there is one greater than Pharaoh, Joseph’s God, the God of an imprisoned slave.
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Additionally, note that Joseph makes clear it is not he who will provide the answer, but God through him. Joseph is not only boldly claiming the supremacy of Yahweh, which is pretty amazing considering Joseph could easily doubt God’s supremacy after having been subjected to the Egyptians for so many years, but he is also humbling himself before God. Joseph doesn’t take credit for the answer he will provide, he doesn’t attempt to use it to better his position. Rather he trusts God with his life and gives God all the glory with no reason to believe that he won’t be returned to the prison once he has given Pharaoh the interpretation.
Looking at Joseph’s bold defense of and deference to God in the face of horrible circumstances is inspiring. He did not let his circumstances dictate what he believed about God. Unlike his father Jacob who on his flight from his brother told God he could be Jacob’s God if he blessed Jacob, Joseph surrenders himself to God after having already experienced considerable hardship as part of God’s plan. God is his God regardless of the circumstances and Joseph gives all credit and honor to God regardless of what the outcome may be for him personally. How amazing is that! Do you have that kind of faith in God? Do you humble yourself before the king of kings with no expectation of benefit for yourself? Is God your God regardless of the circumstances? If something is standing between you and God, surrender it. Invite God to be the center of your life no matter what the world may bring. What’s keeping you at a distance from God?
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