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Genesis 40:1-23; Genesis 35:28-29; Genesis 41:1-57<\/strong><\/span> Today we read about the passing of Isaac in Genesis 35:28-29. What was interesting to me today about the death of Isaac was that he passed away after Jacob and Esau reconciled.\u00a0 I honestly forgot that Isaac had lived this long \u2013 I thought when he gave Esau\u2019s blessing to Jacob 20 years prior that he was on his deathbed!\u00a0 Obviously not.\u00a0 However, even with Jacob and Esau being reconciled at this point, going forward in the Old Testament we will see that this reconciliation didn\u2019t carry forward to their descendants.\u00a0 The nation of Israel (Jacob) and the kingdom of Edom (Esau) will have much strife in their coming generations toward each other, which we\u2019ll read about later this year.\u00a0 The red area in the map below shows the kingdom of Edom at its largest extent in approximately 600 B.C.:<\/span><\/p>\n In Genesis chapter 41 we read about Pharaoh\u2019s dreams and Joseph is called from prison to interpret them.\u00a0 The cup-bearer finally remembered Joseph 2 years later!\u00a0 \ud83d\ude42\u00a0 Verse 16 is powerful for us to consider as Pharaoh calls for Joseph to interpret his dreams: \u201c\u201dIt is beyond my power to do this,\u201d Joseph replied. \u201cBut God will tell you what it means and will set you at ease.\u201d\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 What I like about this reply from Joseph is that he is giving credit to God for his \u201cgift\u201d of being able to interpret dreams!\u00a0 And really, it is God interpreting the dreams, and letting Joseph know what to say.\u00a0 I wonder about this in our lives today.\u00a0 Do we have some unique gifts in our lives?\u00a0 Things that we are really good at?\u00a0 And do we give credit to God for these gifts in our life?\u00a0 Or do we claim them as gifts we developed on our own?\u00a0 Do you believe that God is truly the Gift-Giver of all your skills and talents and wisdom in your life?\u00a0 Below is an image of Joseph before Pharaoh interpreting his dreams: <\/span><\/p>\n Today in Genesis chapter 41 we read about Joseph interpreting Pharaoh\u2019s dreams \u2013 and not just interpreting them, but offering a solution!\u00a0 Joseph suggests finding a wise man to administer a program to collect crops during the 7 years of plenty to save up for the 7 years of lean.\u00a0 Verses 39 & 40 in this chapter tell us: \u201cTurning to Joseph, Pharaoh said, \u201cSince God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, you are the wisest man in the land! I hereby appoint you to direct this project. You will manage my household and organize all my people. Only I will have a rank higher than yours.\u201d\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Notice that Joseph did not ask for this position.\u00a0 He probably could have, in light of interpreting the dream and offering a solution.\u00a0 But he didn\u2019t.\u00a0 The position was simply thrust upon him.\u00a0 And I wonder in our lives \u2013 are we like Joseph \u2013 humbly offering our gifts and skills with no need of a payback?\u00a0 Or, do we expect something in return?\u00a0 Do we want to be put in charge?\u00a0 I do wonder this about myself \u2013 if I was put in charge of all of Egypt, would I still remember God?\u00a0 Or would the power go to my head and would I think it is all about me?\u00a0 And then I wonder if there are similar, smaller temptations like this in my life \u2013 in my work or ministries or in my social circles. Are there times where I offer my skills & gifts, and expect to be put in charge of something, forget about God, and think it\u2019s all about me? How about you? Do you give freely and humbly from your God-given gifts with no need of a payback?\u00a0 Payback\u2026 This would be like me suggesting this blog is free and then later coming back to you looking for a handout through your monitor! \ud83d\ude42<\/span><\/p>\n Below is an image from a modern day production of \u201cJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat\u201d of Pharaoh appointing Joseph to be #2 in the land (and giving him his signet ring\u2026 and dressing him\u2026 and giving him the royal gold chain\u2026 and giving him the chariot\u2026 and renaming him\u2026 and giving him a wife\u2026\u00a0 think all this would possibly inflate one\u2019s ego?\u00a0 It really does scare me to think about me being put in this type of position\u2026) <\/span><\/p>\n Bible.org\u2019s commentary on chapter 40 titled \u201cHow to Get O<\/strong><\/span>ut of the Pits\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span> and commentary in Genesis chapter 41 titled \u201cFrom the Pit to the Palace\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/p>\n YouTube:<\/strong> Today\u2019s readings about Joseph interpreting Pharaoh\u2019s dream and his humility reminded me of the MercyMe song \u201cSo Long Self:\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n
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