Pastor Julien Cyrus
“While his brothers were envious of him, his father wondered what the dream meant”
(Genesis 37:11).
When God gave Joseph two prophetic dreams at 17, he announced Joseph’s future elevation to political prominence.
Joseph, who was born to his father, Jacob, in his old age, was treated more favourably than his other siblings. Jacob even got Joseph a specially made multicoloured coat that caused his brothers to become envious of him (Genesis 37:3-4).
One day, Jacob sent Joseph into the fields to check and report on his brothers’ welfare. He was seized by his resentful brothers and sold to some Ishmaelite traders who were heading to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian officer, bought him, and Joseph began serving in Potiphar’s household.
Before long, it became obvious that the Lord was with Joseph and caused the works of his hands to prosper. Potiphar made him the overseer of his house, and the Lord blessed Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake and his business flourished.
After refusing the sexual advances of his master’s wife, Joseph was maliciously accused of rape and thrown into prison. But even there, the Lord was with him. He was put in charge of all the prisoners and successfully managed the institution.
By then, Joseph’s dream seemed but an illusion. A cherished son had become a slave, and then, a prisoner – an increasingly downward trajectory. But as Joseph’s situation deteriorated, his character matured. The once despised talebearer had become someone who eased burdens and created solutions for others.
Walking with God takes us where we don’t want to go and into what we are not necessarily prepared to do. Joseph’s unplanned migration created opportunities for him to extend his excellent service to an increasing number of people.
While in prison, he assisted Pharaoh’s freshly imprisoned chief baker and butler by interpreting each of their dreams and begged them to remember him after they were released. This did not happen, but Joseph’s meeting with two of Pharaoh’s staff proved divinely orchestrated. Two years later, Pharaoh had a dream that no one could interpret. The butler remembered Joseph and his recommendation caused Pharaoh to send for Joseph.
Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, indicating that there would be seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. In addition to interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, Joseph supplied recommendations to address the severe famine revealed in the dream.
Pharaoh responded by appointing Joseph to preside over all Egypt, being second-in-command only to him. During the following seven years, Joseph stocked up huge amounts of grain sufficient to feed the Egyptians and surrounding nations during the seven years of famine that followed.
The road was not easy, but this once self-centred dreamer had become a faithful and compassionate steward. Joseph had not forgotten his dream, but stopped worshipping it, and, by learning to serve others with distinction, Joseph ultimately realised the purpose of his dream.
While we may have visions of great accomplishments, like Joseph, the path to our dream destination is paved by our faithful stewardship. For to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).
