Head Honcho

March 26, 2013

Head Honcho

Genesis 41:37-57

Read Joseph's suggestions were well received by Pharaoh and his officials. So Pharaoh asked his officials, "Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?" Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are. You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours." Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the entire land of Egypt." (Genesis 41:37-41)

Reflect After interpreting Pharaoh's dream, Joseph gave the king a survival plan for the next fourteen years. Joseph helped Pharaoh to prevent starvation through careful planning; without a plan Egypt would have turned from prosperity to ruin. Instead, Joseph used his knowledge of God's plan to prepare in practical ways that would save the nation. Pharaoh recognized that Joseph was a man "filled with the spirit of God." You probably won't get to interpret dreams for a king, but those who know you should be able to see God in you through your kind words, merciful acts, and wise advice. Do your relatives, neighbors, and coworkers see you as a person in whom the Spirit of God lives? Joseph rose quickly to the top, from prison walls to Pharaoh's palace. His training for this important position involved being first a slave and then a prisoner. In each situation he learned the importance of serving God and others. And when Pharaoh promoted him, Joseph was ready to serve the whole nation. Whatever your situation, no matter how undesirable, you can make it part of your training for serving God.

Respond What is God's training for you? How is God using your present circumstances to prepare you for future challenges? Thank him for bringing together all things for your good and his glory (Romans 8:28).