September 13, 2020
Genesis 41:25-33, 37-40, 50-52
INTRODUCTION:
To receive a promotion is a great achievement, a pay raise, elevated to a higher to position. To move up in the hierarchy levels within an organization. An increase in rank, benefits and responsibility. In our lesson, Joseph receives a tremendous promotion for his obedience to God. Joseph having been put in prison on a trumped up charge, has remained faithful to God. While in prison, the Pharaoh has two disturbing dreams. First, seven healthy cows come out of the Nile to graze, then, seven scrawny cows appear and eat the fat cows. Second, seven choice ears of grain grow on one stalk, then seven skinny ears of grain blossom on the stalk and consumes the healthy grain.
Pharaoh is troubled and calls for expert dream interpreters, yet none could interpret these dreams. Pharaoh is reminded of one Joseph down in the dungeon who could interpret dreams.
JOSEPH INTERPRETS THE DREAMS (Genesis 41: 25-33)
God reveals to Joseph that the dream is a warning to prepare for a famine. Joseph addresses the urgency that the dreams represents Egypt will have seven years of good crops and plenty, then, there would be seven years of famine. Joseph warns of disaster approaching. Joseph presents a plan in preparation for pending trouble.
2 JOSEPH RECEIVES HONOR (vv. 37-40)
Pharoah, recognizing that Joseoh's gift and talent for adminstration., is from a higher place. He makes Joseph the prime minister in charge of the palace and the country,
It is because Joseph remained faithful to God even while in prison, Joseph is honored, as well as promoted.
3 JOSEPH ESTABLISHES FAMILIAL ROOTS WITH THE EGYPTIANS (vv. 50-52)
Joseph is now blessed with two sons by his Egyptian wife. God provides a divine presence for Joseph and his family in Egypt that connects with the Hebrew nation, Because of Jiseph' son, there is lasting heritage with the nation of Israel.
CONCLUSION:
As we sojourn these mundane shores of eternity, traveling this side of heaven, we are challegned. We are sometimes up and sometimes down, almost level to the ground. For the belivers in Christ, we must remain faithful regardless of our plight in life, To always be in obedience to his will. Our greatest reward is yet to come,
GOD REWARDS OBEDIENCE
REV. JOHNNY H. ESKRIDGE
ST. PAUL SHIVELY HEIGHTS
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