JOSEPH: INTERPRETER OF
DREAMS
"...Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me please" (Gen.40:8, NKJV)
In the Ancient world, dreams were highly regarded. They were highly priced. And meanings were attached to them. Dreams were believed to be one of the major means God or any deity communicated to his people. Dreams often revealed the future. They could show the dreamer the right decision to make. People even went to temples or holy places to sleep in order to have a dream which would show them the decision to make. In Bible days, prophecy and dreams were placed on equal footing (Num.12:6). God warned Abimelech in a dream about Sarai (Gen. 20:3); Jacob had two dreams: (i) at Bethel (Gen. 28:12-19), (ii) at Peniel (Gen. 32:24-30). God warned the wise men in a dream about Herod's plot against Jesus (Matt. 2:12).
Joseph's service in prison was marked by the Lord's presence, the jailer's favour, and Joseph's promotion to leadership position in the prison (Gen. 39:21-23). In prison, Joseph was opportune to serve Pharaoh's officials who were imprisoned--the chief cupbearer and the chief baker (v.1). These two offices were held in high value in those days. They were trusted officials who had open access to the highest persons
in the government and who may have performed duties that extended beyond the preparation of food:
(i) The baker was in charge of making Pharaoh's food
(i) The cupbearer tasted all of Pharaoh's food and drink before giving it to him to avoid poison
Both men had different dreams in one night and each man's dream with its own interpretation (v.5). They needed an interpreter desperately (v.8). Joseph assured them that true interpretations of dreams belong to God (v.8). Even though Joseph was not a trained dream interpreter, he offered them the true meaning. However, the cupbearer was restored to his former position, while the chief baker was executed by hanging (vv.21-22). But, the cupbearer forgot Joseph(v. 23).
Let us depend on God where ever we may be placed: in your office, school, business place etc. Learn to help as many that come your way today. One
secret of effective Witness for Christ is to recognize opportunities to relate God to the other person's experience. When the opportunity arises, we must have the courage to speak, as Joseph did (see Gal.6:10). Joseph was observant. He saw that Pharaoh's officers were sad (v.6). He acted positively and promptly.
Opportunity to minister to sinners and discouraged persons is everywhere.
0.000 SRY