Standing Strong |
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Mikeitz— At the End of
Genesis 41:1– 44:17 Kings 3:15– 4:1 Matthew 27:15– 46 Romans 14:1– 19 |
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This week we continue the saga of Joseph in Egypt.
We last left him in the dungeon forgotten by the butler. Two full years pass. Think about that. The butler has just been repositioned into a position that can give you possible freedom. Your hopes are raised. You might finally get out of this prison in which you are stuck through having done nothing wrong, yet you are forgotten for another two years. What must have gone through Joseph’s mind during that time?
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Two years later Pharaoh has a dream and seeks interpretation. Joseph is bathed, shaved and made presentable to stand before the pharaoh. Joseph does not hesitate in the least in giving G-d the glory for the interpretation. Joseph could have sought in his own power to create a way for himself to be removed from prison. He is surely not going to say that his foreign G-d who has left him in a dungeon for two more years is the source of what can get him released, is he? This is his chance to be released. But Joseph boldly says to Pharaoh, the man who the Egyptians consider a G-d: “It is not in me (to interpret your dream); G-d will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”
It is through this humble approach of giving G-d the glory that Joseph is elevated to a position of being only second to Pharaoh himself.
How often do I hesitate to give G-d the glory for what he does? I like to think I have great insight at times; that I have special gifts that others should value. Yet here is Joseph, after two years in prison, forgotten by the man who could have brought him to attention and probable release from prison, and he doesn’t hesitate. He has lived in such conditions that he must be groomed in order to considered fit to be seen by those of rank and position.
I have found my lesson for this week without having to look any further. May G-d grant me, and all who admit to this shortcoming, the ability to not hesitate to give G-d the glory for the things he does and let Him take care of putting us in the positions He wishes in order to serve Him.
Selah. |
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Isaiah 11:6 2 Thessalonians 2:15 |