Isn't it amazing that even when we are in the pit we can receive the favor and care of the Lord? There is purpose for our time in the pit. For Joseph, he made the most of his time in the pit. Getting stronger in your faith and going on with life as best you can does not mean you don't want to get out of the pit. Joe wanted out. We saw this when he asked the cup-bearer to remember him when he returned to the King's court. Unfortunately, the cup-bearer got busy with his job and forgot about Joseph until the King had two disturbing dreams, 2 years later, that even the greatest mystic minds in Egypt could not interpret.
God does not make any mistakes. Joseph's cell mate just "happened to be" the King's cup-bearer. The cup-bearer was a very important person in the King's court. His job was to taste the wine before it was served to the King. Thus, if anyone tried to poison the King the cup-bearer would be the one who died from the poison not the King. I think I might like the job of Chamber Pot Cleaner to the King rather than the "taster of drink that could kill the King." You have to know the cup-bearer definitely had the inside scoop on the "real story of the King's court." He knew how it ran, who was who, who was not and who did what. I am feel sure Joseph learned a lot about the King's court while in prison, almost like executive training. God took advantage of Joseph's undivided attention and gave training him for the job of a lifetime.
When he is finally released after interpreting the King's dreams, Joseph is given the position of a lifetime, Pharaoh's right hand man. Pharaoh did not hesitate offering this position to Joe. I have to think that somewhere down inside he regretted the harsh punishment he gave Joseph and now realized that Joseph was an honorable, trustworthy man. Pharaoh also gave him a wife of royal descent and a new name Zaphnathpaaneah. I found two meanings for his new name: "preserver of life" and a "revealer of secrets." Wow!
Some truths I uncovered in today's lessons are:
As we say in the South, ya'll have a good day!
God does not make any mistakes. Joseph's cell mate just "happened to be" the King's cup-bearer. The cup-bearer was a very important person in the King's court. His job was to taste the wine before it was served to the King. Thus, if anyone tried to poison the King the cup-bearer would be the one who died from the poison not the King. I think I might like the job of Chamber Pot Cleaner to the King rather than the "taster of drink that could kill the King." You have to know the cup-bearer definitely had the inside scoop on the "real story of the King's court." He knew how it ran, who was who, who was not and who did what. I am feel sure Joseph learned a lot about the King's court while in prison, almost like executive training. God took advantage of Joseph's undivided attention and gave training him for the job of a lifetime.
When he is finally released after interpreting the King's dreams, Joseph is given the position of a lifetime, Pharaoh's right hand man. Pharaoh did not hesitate offering this position to Joe. I have to think that somewhere down inside he regretted the harsh punishment he gave Joseph and now realized that Joseph was an honorable, trustworthy man. Pharaoh also gave him a wife of royal descent and a new name Zaphnathpaaneah. I found two meanings for his new name: "preserver of life" and a "revealer of secrets." Wow!
Some truths I uncovered in today's lessons are:
- If I am in a pit, I should look for God's handiwork around me. He is always working for my good and His glory.
- My territory will be expanded when I remain faithful through my trials.
- When God sees He can trust me with little He will bless me with more, more than I ever dreamed or imagine.
- When more is given to me, more will be required of me.
These ancient words are so rich aren't they? I can't get over how much we can learn from them that is applicable to our lives.
As we say in the South, ya'll have a good day!
13 Comments:
The scriptures today brings confirmation that God is really working it out in the midst of it all!!
It took 13 years for Joseph's destiny to be fulfilled and a little over 20 years for his initial dreams to be be realised (Gen 37:5-11), but it was surely worth it in the end. Isn't it always worth the wait?, afterall, anything that's worth having is worth waiting for and it surely does not come easy!!!!!
Thank God for todays lesson and thank God for your inspirations Wendy. Keep up the good work for you are truly anointed and blessed with God's spirit.
Freeport, Bahamas.
The past two days my Quiet Time with God has been a bit less than Quiet - more like a cheerleading session, in fact!
God is so good - he shows each of us in his own way what he needs us to see for his purpose for us. I love to come here and read and see what he is depositing into your lives.
My nuggest for the day was Joseph opening the storehouses for a famine starved Egypt just as our almighty father opens his storehouses for us.
Joseph went from pit to palace to pit and back to the palace, as did our dear Savior - what an exciting connection for me this morning!
Praying a wall of protection around Wendy as she leads this study, and around all of us learning together. God has so much to give us!
Celebrate today!
Liz
the one "pin" in AK on Wendy's map
God gave Joseph a gift and Joseph gave all the glory to God for that gift. I am impressed by Joseph's spirit of humility. He knew who he was, yet his actions confirmed it not his ego. When Pharaoh needed someone to take charge, Joseph didn't volunteer for the job; instead he waited on the promotion to be granted by God. Ephesians 3:20 states: Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Because Joseph did it God's way, he received more than he asked for.
Blessings!
Debbie - North Carolina
I love how you put it, that Joseph must have learned a lot about the King's court in prison. I've never thought of that that way. Thanks.
I do agree that as He gives us more, more is require of us. God bless you. Shoua
I had never considered all Joseph would have learned from the cup bearer while in prison. Great thoughts.
My take-away today is that even when I appear to be forgotten, I am not forsaken. I have to believe that the cup bearer's forgetfulness was part of God's plan. Again, God was teaching Joseph complete dependence on Him and not on man.
I wonder if God ever feels forgotten by me? I’m so quick to call out to Him in times of trouble, but what about when life is great? Am I just as desperate to be in His presence? Do I long for Him as much, or more, than my answers from Him? Am I just as quick to give Him praise and spend time with Him when problems aren’t perplexing me? Is my fervency the same whether in want or abundance? Hardship creates need. Plenty ofen weakens desire.
"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
Not forsaken,
Joy
I keep thinking that if there was a male version of the Proverbs 31 woman, Joseph would be it.
As I read Genesis 41:57, "And people from all around came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph...," I thought about how fortunate the people were to have Joseph in charge. Someone else may have charged outrageous sums of money for the grain or taken advantage of the people's desperate need for food. Yet, in so many ways, Joseph could identify with their need.
Having himself been placed in a subserviant position, time and time again, Joseph must have developed both compassion and understanding for those in need. He knew what desperation felt like, as well as what mistreatment did too. I am sure the people were blessed because of Him.
Two things struck me from our reading today. The first was when Pharaoh had Joseph ride around in the chariot reserved for his second-in-command and the command was shouted "Kneel down," as he rode through the streets. I can imagine that was a very difficult position for Joseph as we have already noted that Joseph served God and I am sure that he was uncomfortable with people kneeling down to him, yet we don't read of him doing anything about it.
The second thing that I noted was that the cup-bearer told Joseph his dream first and he received a positive interpretation. The scripture said that, "When the chief baker saw that Joseph had given the first dream such a positive interpretation. . .," which leads me to believe that Joseph possibly asked him to share his dream first and the baker refused to do so. However, upon hearing a good report for his friend, he was then willing to share.
It also struck me that the cup-bearer was focused on Pharaoh, even in his dream. Note he was holding "Pharaoh's" wine cup in his hand.
The baker said that, ". . . three baskets of white pastries [were] stacked on "his" head." Therefore, the focus was on him, not on Pharaoh. It goes on to state that, "the birds came and ate them from the basket on my head." To me this seemed like a warning that something bad was going to come from his dream.
Looking forward to uncovering more nuggets as we read along.
Great words from Wendy and all of you. What I noted today was the little spoken amounts of time that pass between events. Joseph was in the prison for an additional 2 years before Pharaoh relased him. How many of us get discouraged after two days if we don't see results? That wasn't the only time he waited think of all the times he waited to be delivered. Such a faithful servant. No wonder God blessed him so much.
Blessings,
Lynn - OR
Blessings to all. As this is my first read through the bible, I often miss points. It's so awesome to hear prespectives that I did not see. I have learn so much already.
God has truly blessed me with this great group of women.
Thank You all !!
Kim / Ohio
God is so good!!
I am so enjoying each morning in the Word of God.
Thank you,Wendy!
In His Grace,
Tammy-New York
I am having the time of life reading what God is teaching all of you. If you have not commented before, join the fun. Share your insights and thoughts with us.
Ladies--I love reading all of your insights and gleanings from our daily reads. You guys make it so much richer!!
Today I was struck with how everything that happened to Joseph culminated in him being in a position to feed a hungry world...How I have asked God to use me to feed the starving in our world today.
Blessings to you all!
Post a Comment
Home