We can learn to wait on God from the story of Joseph.

1 – Understanding the background

You need to see the big picture. This passage explains how the Israelites came to be in Egypt. This is a partial fulfilment of God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. It is through Joseph that all the families of the Earth begin to find blessing.

• God’s unfolding purposes – It was a progressive revelation in those days. Joseph is a story of divine providence. In spite of the hard times, God’s purposes were fulfilled. It is not about how you feel or what you want. It is about God and not me. God will work through me to fulfil His purposes.
• Human responsibility – We see the favouritism of Jacob turns sibling rivalry into intense hatred. The effects blighted the family for more than twenty years. We individually need to do what is right. God is sovereign and we are responsible.

2 – Dreaming and its significance

Joseph’s dreams were a bigger problem for the brothers than the coat. This was the final show for them. Later Joseph would interpret the dreams of the baker and the butler and then the dreams of Pharaoh.

• Pharaoh’s two dreams (41:1-7). He tries all the magicians, sorcerers, etc. Now Pharaoh is prepared to “sack” the experts and find someone else. However, this sacking would result in death!
• Joseph’s gift (41:8). God has given Joseph the ability to interpret dreams.

3 – Remembering and its timing (41:9-13)

God had not forgotten Joseph, even though it might have seemed that way.

• The butler’s alarm clock goes off. The butler remembered Joseph. God’s timing was perfect. This was Joseph’s time. Jesus had thirty years of preparation and three years of ministry.
• Joseph’s escape route. It did not happen immediately. Joseph had to spend several years in jail. God had work for him there. Yet when the time was right God helped him to escape.

4 – Interpretation and its source (41:14-32)

God would give Pharaoh the answer, not Joseph. Joseph gave the glory to God. God is not mentioned in Joseph’s early dreams. Joseph now recognises that God is the source. A lot of us like to get on the stage. It was time for God to get on the stage and Joseph to take the wing. The difficulties in life are for our good. The waiting time need not be wasted time.

Categories: Genesis