Connecting the Dots - Genesis 39-41

Last week, we discussed the comforting truth that God can bring good out of the difficult situations we face. We looked to the life of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers but who would later, by God’s grace, experience a great reversal of his situation and serve as a conduit of blessing to many. This Sunday, we moved forward in the story as Pastor Michael preached on Genesis 39-41, where we can see that God was with Joseph and worked in Joseph’s life for his good and the good of many others.

Genesis 39 tells of Joseph’s experience with Potiphar’s wife. Potiphar was the Egyptian who had purchased Joseph from the Ishmaelites, and he served as the captain of the guard. The Lord blessed Joseph’s labors, and Potiphar entrusted to Joseph the responsibility of being the overseer of his house. In this role, Joseph walked in integrity, despite the repeated seductive requests made to him by Potiphar’s wife. When Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph of sexual sin, however, Joseph was thrown into prison. Even there, though, the Lord gave Joseph favor; the keeper of the prison put Joseph over all the other prisoners.

In Genesis 40, we can see that the chief cupbearer and the chief baker were thrown into the same prison as Joseph. These two men each had his own dream, and God gave Joseph knowledge of the interpretations of their dreams. The chief cupbearer’s interpretation was favorable, and Joseph requested that the chief cupbearer mention him to Pharaoh after he was restored to his office. The cupbearer, however, forgot him.

Genesis 41 reveals that after two years, Pharaoh received a dream that none of the magicians and wise men of Egypt could interpret. The chief cupbearer at last remembered to mention Joseph, and Pharaoh called upon him. The Lord gave Joseph knowledge of the dream’s interpretation — an interpretation that revealed a coming time of plenty in Egypt would be followed by a very severe famine. The Lord gave Joseph favor in Pharaoh’s eyes, and he rose to power in Egypt. All the land was to heed his command. The Lord continued to give Joseph wisdom while he was in power, and through him provided for many in the famine.

The Lord redeemed Joseph’s situation. After experiencing years of injustice at the hands of others, Joseph was brought into a position of power in Egypt. In every situation Joseph found himself, the Lord was with him. He never abandoned Joseph, and He gave him favor in the eyes of those he served. When Joseph was in power, the Lord continued to help him walk in faithfulness and wisdom.

Are you walking in faithfulness in your current circumstances? Whether we experience abundance or need, let’s treasure the Lord above all else, and be faithful with the resources and opportunities He has entrusted to us.

Resources:


Reflection Questions:

  • Read Genesis 39. Why do you think the author mentioned so many times that the LORD was with Joseph?

  • How does the gospel motivate you to be faithful, no matter your circumstances?

  • How can you be faithful with the resources and opportunities God has entrusted to you?


Listen to the Sermon:

Delight in the WordJohn Giuliani