Pharaoh's Dreams

Text; Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one: God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do…” (Genesis 41:25).

When you or I have a dream, it usually involves one incident and then we awaken. We might be having a pleasant dream that places us in a happy or joyful environment and we don’t want the dream to end.

On the other hand, our dream might involve disaster, pain, or grief and we would like it to end. I would venture to say that each of us has awaken from a dream all stressed out and damp from perspiration. When we open our eyes a sight of relief falls upon us.

As we know, Joseph had two dreams that he shared with this brothers and his father. The butler and the baker each had one dream. Pharaoh experienced two dreams. The butler, the baker and Pharaoh needed someone to interpret their dreams. Joseph did not look for someone to interpret his dreams because of his strong character and his deep Godly wisdom.

As you recall, after Joseph interpreted the dream for the butler and the interpretation was realized by the butler, Joseph made one request of the butler. The request was: “But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house” (Genesis 40:14).

The butler did not remember Joseph, but instead completely forgot about him. This resulted in Joseph remaining in prison for two full years. At the end of that time, Pharaoh had two dreams. He obviously needed someone to interpret the meaning of these dreams so he called for people to interpret these dreams.

“Now it came to pass in the morning that his (Pharaoh) spirit was troubles, and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them for Pharaoh” (Genesis 41:8).

In the days of Pharaoh, magicians and so-called wise men were a very common entity in the palaces of the ruling body. All these men had power to interpret dreams, read the stars, perform magic and tell about what was going to happen in the future. This all sounds wonderful and great, but the problem was that their power came from an evil source and that evil source was Satan himself.

They were unable to interpret Pharaoh’s dream because God was instrumental in revealing this dream to Pharaoh. In other words God had a plan and that plan needed to be carried out. This plan was going to involve everyone, including Pharaoh and Joseph. It addition, the reality of this dream would bring about an event which would show the enormous power of Almighty God.

God would carry out this plan through Joseph. The meaning of the dream was given to Joseph while he was still in prison. Joseph already had favor from God, but now he would find favor in the eyes of Pharaoh. Pharaoh would soon find out that there was something different about Joseph.

When you and I go out of our way to do something for someone and expect nothing in return, those people begin to look at us as being different. The thoughts that form in our mind and the words that flow from our mouth should indicate to people that we are Christ centered.

The places we visit and the social life we carry on should reflect the principles set forth by Christ Himself. The way we treat our brothers and sisters should be one of love, compassion, and understanding.

God was a major part of Joseph’s life just as He should play a major part of our life. Joseph faced temptation but kept the faith and did not commit the sin of disobedience leading to adultery. We have all faced temptation at some point in our life, and each temptation we have faced has been faced by other people at some time.

Paul told the people at Corinth these words: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” ( I Corinthians 10:13).

Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife, but by keeping the faith and keeping his eye on God was able to resist that temptation and flee from the house. Joseph passed the test of temptation which strengthened his faith and character. Just as Joseph was tempted and tested, we too, can expect to receive our share of testing.

While Joseph was in prison, he never blamed God for his misfortune. He never felt sorry for himself, but he relied on God to lead him in the way he should go. The unfortunate circumstances that you and I sometimes find ourselves in should encourage us to look up and be positive. We need to remember who is in charge and who is still on the throne and then ask Him for guidance, wisdom and direction.