Slices
Prepare
Have you ever been told difficult news? Perhaps a doctor has advised you of a serious medical condition. Isn’t the first response typically, ‘What should I do?’ How did you respond?
Bible passage
33 ‘And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. 35 They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food. 36 This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine.’
37 The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. 38 So Pharaoh asked them, ‘Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?’
39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.’
Joseph in charge of Egypt
41 So Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.’ 42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain round his neck. 43 He made him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and people shouted before him, ‘Make way!’ Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt.
Explore
Joseph had laid out the details of the dreams to Pharaoh. There would be seven years of plenty, endless wheat and tons of hay, followed by seven years of ravaging famine. But then he got to continue and present a plan to the most powerful man in the world. It is incredible to see the opportunities that God sometimes provides for nobodies like Joseph, you and me!
So, Joseph spoke with divine authority and gave Pharaoh advice on economic planning. Essentially, the country should judiciously store reserves to survive the coming famine (vs 33–36).
Pharaoh was so impressed by Joseph’s insight that he recognised the influence of the Spirit of God in Joseph. So Joseph was not simply released from prison; he was promoted to the highest office of influence in the country (vs 39,40). Now Joseph had an expensive robe on again (v 42)! All Egypt was looking to him as Pharaoh’s number two – an unlikely and incredible ascent!
Respond
Sometimes, we do not know what God is doing or why our prayers are not answered as expected. Remember this story. Perhaps God has a strategic part for you to play, and the time is not yet come. Let’s pray that we will be prepared when God’s perfect timing comes!
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Genesis 18,19; Matthew 7
Pray for Scripture Union
As we venture into a new year of Bible Reading Guides, pray that each day will continue to build the faith of those who use them whether online, in print or through the app.
