SCRIPTURE: Genesis 40
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
(Read my reflection from 2008)
“We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.” [Genesis 40:8]
Joseph is aware of his limitations, and who he depends on.
As one experienced in dreams, he does not let his ‘gift’ get to his head.
He knows God is the source of his ability, he urges them to put their focus on God!
This reminds me of another imprisoned Hebrew who has experience in dreams:
Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. [Daniel 2:26-28]
As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.” [Mark 10:17-18]
Jesus is not interpreting a dream, but I do see a connection with Joseph.
Like Joseph, He focuses on God, not on Himself.
But wait, isn’t Jesus God?
Yes, but remember that Jesus emptied Himself of His divinity to become human, like us, so that He might restore us to God [Philippians 2:6-8].
Jesus did not come for His own sake, but for the sake of God, to fulfill the task that He was given – to glorify the Father! [John 12:28]
Ultimately this is where our focus needs to lie – not bringing attention to ourselves.
It’s not about our gifts, our donations, our accomplishments, our status, etc.
This is why I dislike plaques on donations that focus on the giver, to honour them.
Or naming churches or institutions or denominations after ‘saints’.
I suspect that they would hate this ‘honour’ and like the angel said to John, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!” [Revelation 22:8-9]
Jesus describes the servant mindset: When you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” [Luke 17:10]
Joseph interpreted dreams, as did Daniel; Moses led Israel from Egypt, and Joshua led the conquest of Canaan; David established the kingdom of Israel, and Solomon built the temple, but all of them were servants, like us, who only did their duty — worship God!
Yes, we can worship Jesus, He also is good like the Father.
But we also see the extent of His goodness as expressed in His humility, His willingness to be like a servant, and to say ‘I am an unworthy servant; I have only done my duty.’
And because He humbled Himself like this, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [Philippians 2:9-11]
PRAYER:
Lord, You of all people deserve to be honoured, yet You put gave all the glory to God. Help me to have the servant mindset, like You, and not take the honour for myself. For I am an unworthy servant; I have only done my duty.
Listening.
Joseph listened to the dreams of the butler and the baker – their troubles. We as God’s people must have a listening ear for all those who desire to share their difficulties. He had compassion on them. How well do I listen and show my compassion to my brothers?
It was Pharaoh’s birthday – a day of celebration. We too need to celebrate birthdays – remembering God’s favour in our lives – what He has done for us – where we see His presence. This weekend I am in St Thomas celebrating the 50 anniversary of a Christian school. What a privilege to come together and celebrate all what He has done for us – His presence in our lives and we will experience that in full one day. But for pharaoh it was just a party – a celebration for himself and his friends.
We//I need to remember God in all my doings also in my daily relationships so that I may be an instrument of His peace. Help me to do Your will O Lord and help me to say the right words at this celebration this weekend.
1. Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me bring you love;
Where there is injury, your healing pow’r,
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
2. Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope;
Where there is darkness, – only light,
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.
3. O Spirit, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consolded as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love with all my soul – .
4. Make me a channel of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
In giving to all that we receive,
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.