We read last week how God’s blessing on Joseph not only preserved and prospered him, but also brought blessings to those around him. Whether in Potiphar’s home, or in the jail, Joseph was like a light, illuminating everything close to him.

Now Joseph makes a breath-taking rise to the top and, again, the blessing of God on him spreads to all those around him, and even to the entire nation of Egypt.

Joseph approaches this situation with great wisdom, even down to changing his clothes and having a shave in preparation for meeting Pharaoh. He is also careful to make sure that Pharaoh knows that Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams is not his own but comes from God.

As Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt was considered a god on the earth among his people. Yet when Joseph interprets his dream, Pharaoh acknowledges that it is the “spirit of God” who has given Joseph such wisdom, just as Joseph had said. In doing do, Pharaoh admits that there is a greater God than him. His response is to honour and elevate the one who knows that almighty God.

Joseph did what he could. He cleaned himself up and shaved himself. He was respectful to this great ruler. Most importantly, he glorified God, and gave God the credit for his skill. And Pharaoh responded.

He may have had to wait a long time for his deliverance, but Joseph’s rise to become the second most powerful person in Egypt was truly meteoric: from prison to power in one day. God can achieve the impossible in a matter of moments. Be ready!

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NEWBOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH