Today's Scripture Reading (October 22, 2024): Genesis 41
I
struggle a bit with self-promotion. Let me unpack that a little. I live in a world
where we seem to advertise what we have done, and I expect that you probably do,
too. We do it in many ways. Sometimes we just advertise our education, or the
accomplishments that we have achieved. We often preach a gospel that argues that
everything we have achieved results from our hard work and education. We want
to be respected, but more than that, we expect to be respected because we feel
we have earned that respect. Sometimes that might be true. And yet, at the same
time, maybe it isn't as accurate as we think. God has gifted each of us in some
way, and those God-given gifts have allowed us to accomplish precisely what we
have achieved. And that is all that really matters.
In
his younger years, Joseph received visions from God and advertised them to
those close to him. The day was coming when the star of Joseph would eclipse
the lights of his brothers and even his parents. Joseph would be lifted up, and
he made sure that everyone understood this eventuality. This bragging was
likely a trait of his immaturity.
But
since those days when Joseph bragged to his family, a lot has happened in his
life. His brothers attacked him, and they sold him into slavery and then sold him
to Potiphar in Egypt. He has been convicted of a crime he didn't commit and
thrown into prison. While in prison, he has been assigned the position of a
servant and spent his time serving other prisoners; essentially, he has become
the least of those in prison. As a servant, he has been of help to the other
prisoners, but the outside world has also forgotten him.
Finally,
he gets recognized by the political power of the world. The Pharaoh has a
dream, and Joseph is held up as the grand interpreter. Not only is he removed
from his prison cell, but he is cleaned up, allowed to shave, and given clean
clothes to wear. Then, he is brought into the presence of the King.
Pharaoh's
words give praise to Joseph. The King lifts Joseph up and opens the door for
Joseph to recite everything he has done and explain why he is important. Now,
Joseph can lift himself up and make a case for his release from prison. But
Joseph decides not to do that. Instead, he points to God as the only one who
can interpret the dreams of the King. This is not about Joseph, but Joseph is
sure that God will give the Pharaoh the answers that he needs from the dreams
he has received, even when Joseph doesn't have the answer.
Tomorrow's
Scripture Reading: Genesis 42
No comments:
Post a Comment