Central Truth: God gives wisdom and understanding to His followers.
Golden Text: “God hath caused me [Joseph] to be fruitful in the land of my affliction” (Genesis 41:52).
Remember, Joseph was favored by his father?
His brothers hated him; they despised his coat of many colors. They hated his prophetic dreams.
So they devised a plan to kill him by throwing him into a pit, but decided instead to sell him to some merchants.
We left him last week, being sold to Egypt, into Potiphar’s house, who was the captain of the guard.
Joseph is faithful! In little things
In all things.
He excelled at Potiphar’s house, he put Joseph in charge of everything.
Genesis 39:6
Potiphar’s wife, day by day, pressed Joseph to lie with her.
Genesis 39:10
Joseph was faithful.
Finally, she falsely accused Joseph, and Potiphar had Joseph thrown into prison.
Guess what?
Yep!
Joseph found favor in prison and was once again put in charge.
Genesis 39:23
The king of Egypt’s butler and baker were both thrown into prison. Each had a dream, and Joseph interpreted their dreams.
It is interesting that the Butler’s dream involved grapes. Genesis 40:10
In Genesis 40:15 Joseph asks the Butler to “remember me.”
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The Baker’s bread.
Genesis 40:17
Genesis 40:19
He will be hanged on a tree, and the birds will eat his flesh.
We can see in this:
(1) Communion;
(2) the two Jesus was crucified with on Calvary.
One to salvation and the other to death.
Joseph was not remembered.
Not yet
1. Pharaoh’s Disturbing Dreams (Genesis 41:1–13)
Visions of Cattle and Grain (Genesis 41:1–7)
The king dreamed two dreams, and they had the same meaning:
The first seven healthy cows were then consumed by seven thin, giant, horribly-looking cows.
He awoke, then dreamed again:
Seven ears of corn on one stalk are very good.
But then, seven thin ears devoured the good ones.
Will Joseph ever be remembered?
Think of people that have gone through so much. It looked impossible, like maybe God had forgotten them.
He was actually king when he was 30.
Jesus was 30 when he began public ministry.
Joseph was 30 when the pharaoh called him to interpret the dreams. Can you think of times you felt forgotten?
(Genesis 41:14-32)
Genesis 41:16
Joseph gives all the credit and all the glory to God.
Today, a lot of people try to make themselves the center instead of Jesus.
There will be 7 good years, followed by 7 very bad years of famine.
Can you see the tribulation in this?
In Jeremiah 30:7, we know the tribulation will be called the time of Jacob’s trouble.
In our story, Jacob (Israel) will go to Joseph during the famine.
Just like part of the reason for the tribulation will be for Israel to go to Jesus!
Amazing!
Genesis 41:32
The dream was doubled because it was established by God.
Deuteronomy, 19:15
2 Corinthians 13:1.
Just like that, Joseph is brought. Out of the dungeon, his whole life just changed.
If God reveals the future, there must be a plan.
Joseph recommends that Pharaoh appoint “a man discreet [discerning] and wise” to be in charge (v. 33).
Overseers should collect 1⁄5 every good year in anticipation of the bad. Pharaoh recognized that Joseph’s wisdom was from God.
(1 Cor. 1:19–20).
Without godly wisdom, rulers cannot govern with justice and righteousness.
Isaiah 11:2
Godly wisdom is a significant trait of Christian believers.
(1) Pharaoh’s royal proclamation (v. 41);
(2) Pharaoh’s signet ring, representing Joseph’s authority to act and speak on behalf of Pharaoh (v. 42);
(3) “fine linen” garments and a gold chain (v. 42);
(4) the second chariot (v. 43);
(5) a new name (v. 45);
(6) an Egyptian wife (v. 45).
Joseph illustrates the child of God. In Jesus we are given authority, apparel, adornment, and affluence” (Guzik)
Joseph named his first son Manasseh because “God has made me forget.”
Ephraim
The name of Joseph’s second son means “God hath caused me to be fruitful” (v. 52).