As we begin today's reading, Joseph's life has changed a bit from our last glimpse of him. He's been sold into slavery, landed in Egypt, risen to a place of prominence in Potiphar's household, accused of something he didn't do, thrown in jail, and forgotten by some folks he helped who promised to return the favor.
Pharaoh then had a couple of dreams that no one could explain to him. At which point, Joseph comes back into the picture as he is brought to Pharaoh to interpret the dreams. Remember, Joseph is pretty good at the dream thing...he had a couple of dreams himself that helped land him in a predicament that took years to unwind.
So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." And Joseph replied, "I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."
What an interesting change of perspective for Joseph. As a young man in his father's house, he had two dreams of his own that he was quick to tell his brothers about, almost boasting in the implication that he knew their interpretation which was great for him and not so much for them. But now he tells Pharaoh that only God can interpret dreams. Sounds like he has learned his lesson.
This story goes on to show us how God used Joseph to interpret Pharaoh's dreams and how Pharaoh rewarded Joseph for his foresight in planning to save Egypt from the coming famine. You might say that once Joseph changed his perspective on dreams, God was able to use him to make those dreams come true.
That's all it takes for us too...just a change in perspective. Sometimes it is a slight change and sometimes it is a big shift. But changing our perspective on who we are compared to who God is will alter our reality in ways we can't even imagine.
- Holly Barrett
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