JOSEPH-- IN CHARGE IN EGYPT !

There came a time when the Pharaoh had two dreams which troubled him as he could not discern their meaning.  The chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, "Today I am reminded of my shortcomings. I was in prison because of angering you as was the chief baker. Each of us had a dream, different from each others', but both needing  interpretation.  A young Hebrew lad named Joseph who was also imprisoned, gave us their meanings.  And things turned out exactly as he interpreted  them to us."  So Pharaoh sent for Joseph.


When Joseph was asked if he would interpret Pharaoh's dream, he answered, " I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."  Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I was standing on the bank of the Nile, when from the river came seven cows, fat and sleek, and they grazed among the reeds.  Soon after this, seven other cows came up--scrawny and ugly and lean.  The lean, ugly cows ate up the seven fat cows that came up first.  But even after they ate them, no one could tell that they had done so; they looked just as ugly as before.  Then I woke up."


"But again, I dreamed..  'I saw seven heads of grain, full and good, growing on a single stalk.  After them, seven other heads sprouted--withered and thin and scorched by the east wind.  The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven good heads.'  I told this to the magicians, but none could explain it to me."


Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, "The dreams are one and the same.  God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do.  The seven good cows and the seven good heads of grain mean the same seven years. God is bringing seven years of great abundance. The abundance will not be remembered as the next seven years, as the dreams indicate, will bring a severe famine.  The reason the dream has been given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon."


Joseph continued to think wisely, "And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt.  Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance.  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.  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.'


The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and  to all his officials.  So Pharaoh asked them, "Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?"  Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt."  Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph's finger and dressed him in robes of fine linen with a gold chain around his neck.  He had him ride in a chariot as his second in command and men shouted before him, "Make way!"


Joseph was in charge of the whole land of Egypt.


God does put people he trusts in charge of various things, certainly.  The particular job Joseph was  given seems extraordinary, to me. And perhaps, more than I would want to handle.  But, Joseph had been groomed for just such a thing.  See what happens when the famine reaches his own people.


Tune in tomorrow for further adventures!


Jo INMN