Perspective: WK4 - FRI
Influence
Genesis 41:33-41; 46
“And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food. This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine.”
The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?”
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”
So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.”
Something about his interaction with Pharaoh’s dreams gives Joseph the confidence to shift from interpreter to consultant. Inspired by God’s Spirit, he outlines a several-point plan, and Pharaoh loves it. His advisors are astute enough to see the momentum in the room and agree willingly. But who could they find with this kind of discernment? Hmmmm.
I am entertained by the thought that Joseph is oblivious to how this will turn out. Pharaoh couldn’t find meaning in his dreams among the smartest advisors in his court. Then Joseph steps up to clarify. And now he counsels the king to find a man of discernment to implement a plan he has just outlined. If only there were such a person with that kind of wisdom. Are eyes slowly locking on Joseph as he makes this recommendation?
Pharaoh turns to his officials and asks, “Do we know anyone capable of this? Can you think of anyone possessing this kind of discernment? Maybe someone God speaks to, who can interpret dreams and such? Someone who says, ‘I cannot do it, but God can’? Hmmmm. Of course, it would need to be someone with a free schedule. Who could we find? Say, Joseph…”
What a difference a day makes. It began with a prisoner receiving a good shave and ended with the full transfer of power. The slave boy, accused, sentenced, and forgotten, is elevated to opportunity and influence. Has he had time to reflect on his teenage dreams? Has it clicked that the prophecies from long ago were true, even if they hadn’t mentioned the tragedy and trials of the past thirteen years? Perspective. This story, at times most typified by tears trailing across sand-blistered cheeks, is turning. Over the next ten years, it will shift from misery to providence, from betrayal to reconciliation. Perspective. He may not understand it yet, but he can certainly feel the shift. The higher ways of God are redefining his life. He is moving from abandonment to redemption, from being left out and alone to belonging, from worthlessness to purpose.
Whatever you are going through today, take heart from Joseph’s story. In the darkest days, hear God’s voice reverberate through confusion or pain: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5) Feel the shift in perspective as He says, “I know the plans I have for you, plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Genesis 41:33-41; 46
“And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food. This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine.”
The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?”
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”
So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.”
Something about his interaction with Pharaoh’s dreams gives Joseph the confidence to shift from interpreter to consultant. Inspired by God’s Spirit, he outlines a several-point plan, and Pharaoh loves it. His advisors are astute enough to see the momentum in the room and agree willingly. But who could they find with this kind of discernment? Hmmmm.
I am entertained by the thought that Joseph is oblivious to how this will turn out. Pharaoh couldn’t find meaning in his dreams among the smartest advisors in his court. Then Joseph steps up to clarify. And now he counsels the king to find a man of discernment to implement a plan he has just outlined. If only there were such a person with that kind of wisdom. Are eyes slowly locking on Joseph as he makes this recommendation?
Pharaoh turns to his officials and asks, “Do we know anyone capable of this? Can you think of anyone possessing this kind of discernment? Maybe someone God speaks to, who can interpret dreams and such? Someone who says, ‘I cannot do it, but God can’? Hmmmm. Of course, it would need to be someone with a free schedule. Who could we find? Say, Joseph…”
What a difference a day makes. It began with a prisoner receiving a good shave and ended with the full transfer of power. The slave boy, accused, sentenced, and forgotten, is elevated to opportunity and influence. Has he had time to reflect on his teenage dreams? Has it clicked that the prophecies from long ago were true, even if they hadn’t mentioned the tragedy and trials of the past thirteen years? Perspective. This story, at times most typified by tears trailing across sand-blistered cheeks, is turning. Over the next ten years, it will shift from misery to providence, from betrayal to reconciliation. Perspective. He may not understand it yet, but he can certainly feel the shift. The higher ways of God are redefining his life. He is moving from abandonment to redemption, from being left out and alone to belonging, from worthlessness to purpose.
Whatever you are going through today, take heart from Joseph’s story. In the darkest days, hear God’s voice reverberate through confusion or pain: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5) Feel the shift in perspective as He says, “I know the plans I have for you, plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
- Have you ever been surprised by a promotion or a job offer? What was it? How did it make you feel?
- What need in your workplace or community of faith has God made clear to you? Have you considered that he may be asking you to step up to that challenge?
- What calling has God placed on your heart that you haven’t pursued yet? What would you like to say to Jesus about it?
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