verse for reflection: “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” ~~Genesis 41:16, NIV
Genesis 40 ends with the interpretation of two dreams–one for the cupbearer and the other for the baker. After Joseph tells the cupbearer the meaning of his dream, he asks only to be remembered when the cupbearer is restored to his position. Genesis 41 begins with the Pharaoh having two dreams, and wanting to know the meaning of his dreams, he searches throughout the land for someone to interpret his dreams. It’s at this point that the cupbearer recalls his own dream being interpreted by the Hebrew, Joseph, in prison…albeit two years later…and tells Pharaoh, “things turned out exactly as he interpreted them to us.” (Genesis 41:13) Joseph is then called to Pharaoh.
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”
“I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” ~~Genesis 41:15-16
Here, as in the previous chapters, Joseph clearly acknowledges that all he is able to do, is because of God. It’s God that will give Pharoah the answer that he’s looking for, not Joseph—Joseph takes himself completely out of the picture in this passage. It’s God that revealed what Pharaoh was to do in response to the dreams.
This story is a beautiful example of total dependence on God and faith that God’s purpose will prevail. I’m thinking that when Joseph interpreted the dream for the cupbearer, he could’ve despaired after he was forgotten once the cupbearer was restored to his position. But I don’t see that in the text. And when he’s finally remembered by the cupbearer, it’s two years later—two years that he really shouldn’t have had to stay in prison. But Joseph, succumbing to God’s timing, just waits for God’s movement in his life—what else can he do? Through it all, and throughout the text, there’s a sense that Joseph has this inner strength; and it’s clear that the source for his strength is God.
Finally, this story not only shows us what totally depending on God looks like, but it also shows us that we are strongest when we humbly give in to God’s plan for our lives. When we allow ourselves to be ruled by God, rather than our circumstances, we bask in God’s presence…it’s God’s presence that changes our perspective about what’s important, it changes the way others see us, and it changes our life.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~~Hebrews 2:13
