More Dreams
Joseph had two dreams as a young boy which caused his brothers to hate him more than they already did. As a favorite son of his aging father, Joseph was the brunt of ridicule and suffering from his own siblings. Who could have imagined what God had in store for Joseph, who was thrown into a pit by his brothers and then sold as a slave in Potiphar’s household. We’ve learned of the injustice he suffered at the hands of Potiphar’s wife who lied and caused his imprisonment. When two officials imprisoned with Joseph had unusual dreams, Joseph accurately interpreted them. Even though he asked to be remembered to Pharaoh when the dreams came true, he was left forgotten in captivity for another two years…until Pharaoh himself had two dreams. We are about to see God working in the midst of unbearable circumstances to raise Joseph up to a position of great leadership. All because of dreams.
Read Genesis 41:1-7
1. Describe the first and second dream Pharaoh had two years after the cupbearer was restored to his position.
Read Genesis 41:8
2. What did Pharaoh do when he woke up, and what resulted?
Read Genesis 41:9-14
3. Of what was the cupbearer reminded? What happened when he finally told Pharaoh about Joseph?
Read Genesis 41:15-16
4. How did Joseph respond to Pharaoh?
Read Genesis 41:25-32
5. After Pharaoh re-tells his dreams to Joseph in verses 17-24, what does Joseph say the cows and grain symbolize?
6. Why did Pharaoh’s dreams come in two forms?
We see Joseph’s character displayed in great detail when he is asked to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. Instead of trying to make himself look good, Joseph focused everyone’s attention on God Himself. It seems it wasn’t his knowledge of dreams that helped Joseph but his relationship with God. It’s a principle we see throughout scripture. If we make the Lord first in our lives, He will take care of everything else. Jesus says not to worry about what you need but to, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be given to you as well.” Even amidst difficult circumstances, Joseph maintained his relationship with God and performed his duties with excellence. We’ve read that the Lord was with Joseph everywhere he went, and that’s what caused him to prosper. May we all be challenged by his example.
In both of Pharaoh’s dreams the lean did eat up the good and it was the same number of animals and the same number of corns – seven lean and seven fat. Pharaoh woke up from his dreams and sent for all of the people he thought could tell him about his dream – but really none of them could tell Pharaoh what his dreams were about. The cupbearer was reminded of his dream and how Pharaoh had acted against him and the chief baker – put them in the dungeon and they asked a young Hebrew man – Joseph about their dreams and Joseph told them about what GOD was going to do and it came to pass – whatever GOD says to each of us – it will come to pass according to HIS word. When he told Pharaoh about Joseph – immediately Pharaoh called for Joseph to come and tell him about his dreams.
Joseph told Pharaoh it was not for him to tell what the dream was really about – it would come from GOD. The cows was the land of plenty and the ears of corn was the famine happening. Then Pharaoh would have peace about the dreams. Joseph told him what the dreams meant according to GOD – there would be seven years of plenty in the land of Egypt and then after seven years of plenty there would be a famine for seven years – both dream were the seven years of both times and the famine time would be grievous for all the people and it would consume the whole land. Two dreams for Pharaoh and two meanings for him – Joseph was always about showing what GOD was doing and saying to the people. We should also be this way and let people know about GOD and HIS moving. Loved the lesson – Thanks – Karen
Thank you Karen. Loved this one again. For whatever reason it is resonating in my heart more than usual today…the simple concept of putting God first; of allowing my relationship with Him to rule above any other relationships or circumstances, and to nurture it daily. How easily I distract! I am reminded today of the “pinpoint” (my relationship with God) and the whirlwind spinning out from it (every other aspect of my life, ultimately anchored by him at that pinpoint center).