Genesis 41

The reason Joseph was able to get through his difficult days is because he never doubted that God was with him.

“Only remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house.” (Genesis 40:14, ESV)

I. Pharaoh Dreams Twice (vv. 1-8)

“After two whole years, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing by the Nile, and behold, there came up out of the Nile seven cows, attractive and plump, and they fed in the reed grass. And behold, seven other cows, ugly and thin, came up out of the Nile after them, and stood by the other cows on the bank of the Nile. And the ugly, thin cows ate up the seven attractive, plump cows. And Pharaoh awoke. And he fell asleep and dreamed a second time. And behold, seven ears of grain, plump and good, were growing on one stalk. And behold, after them sprouted seven ears, thin and blighted by the east wind. And the thin ears swallowed up the seven plump, full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream. So in the morning his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was none who could interpret them to Pharaoh.” (Genesis 41:1–8, ESV)

Pharaoh’s two dreams both:

-Involved cannibalism

-Ended in violence

-Were built on the number 7

God is about to use an Israelite slave (Joseph) to astound the wisdom of Egypt.

God has a way throughout His Word of making it clear that no matter how powerful and prosperous these nations were, they were subject to His sovereign control.

III. The Cupbearer Remembers Joseph (vv. 9-14)

“Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they quickly brought him out of the pit. And when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came in before Pharaoh.” (Genesis 41:14, ESV)

III. Pharaoh Describes His Dreams (vv. 15-24)

“And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”” (Genesis 41:15–16, ESV)

It is remarkable that Joseph’s focus is on God.

In Egypt, Pharaoh was considered a god himself, but Pharaoh does not compare to Joseph’s God.

IV. Joseph Interprets the Dreams (vv. 25-36)

Interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams:

-Egypt will have 7 years of abundance

-Then, they will experience 7 years of famine

-The famine will be so intense the people will forget the years of plenty

“And the doubling of Pharaoh’s dream means that the thing is fixed by God, and God will shortly bring it about.” (Genesis 41:32, ESV)

“Now therefore let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 41:33, ESV)

V. Pharaoh Makes Joseph Second in Command (vv. 37-46)

“This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his servants. And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?”” (Genesis 41:37–38, ESV)

“Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.”” (Genesis 41:39–40, ESV)

God is going to use Joseph not to just save the Egyptians, but also, to save his own brothers and father.

“And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck. And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 41:41–43, ESV)

Joseph woke up as a prisoner, scruffy and ragged. After it looks like he has been forgotten, a few hours later he is treated to Pharaoh’s finest and others are bowing down to him.

“Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 41:46, ESV)

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, ESV)

Joseph’s story is a clear indication that God is sovereign over every event, person, and thing. Nothing and no one can thwart His plans.

Joseph’s promotion was not just for himself.

It was not just for the Egyptians.

God is using Joseph to be a savior for His people

God has given every believer a spiritual gift not just for your own benefit, but for the building up of others, especially the church.

“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7, ESV)

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:” (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)

If each follower of Jesus would make it a priority to use our gifts to glory God, we will discover that our differing gifts draw us together because we are dependent on each other.

“[love] binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:14b, ESV)

My sincere prayer for our church family:

That we would use our spiritual gifts for the greater good.

That we will see an incredible picture of harmony (not uniformity) in our church family.