Devotion:
Wow, that was a lot of Scripture for today! From these passages, we can see that dreams played a huge role in Joseph’s life! His father’s favorite at seventeen years of age, prancing about in the fancy robe his father had given him, and telling his older brothers about his dream in which they bowed down to him did little to endear them to him. Joseph’s sharing his next dream of heavenly bodies bowing to him angered even his doting father. Those dreams would make a lot more sense in the distant future when Joseph was the respected leader of Egypt, and the family would look back on those times.
In prison, Joseph demonstrated considerably more maturity as he gave credit to God for his ability to interpret dreams, including those of fellow prisoners. One of those prisoners later told Pharaoh of Joseph’s gift for interpretation. Again Joseph credited God with his gift, interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, and outlined a wise plan for Egypt to prepare for and survive the coming famine. Joseph’s ability to receive and share God’s message in Pharaoh’s dream, coupled with Joseph’s leadership, saved Egypt and even his own family from starvation. Joseph was happy to give God the credit!
Adult Challenge:
Have you ever received insight in a dream about a decision or a challenge facing you? One of the best tools I have used when facing a huge challenge is to develop a vision of what the successful outcome might look, sound, and feel like. I am amazed sometimes at how developing that vision helps me to identify the steps I need to take in order to realize it. And the best thing to do -- pray for God’s guidance and insight and always give God the credit for success!
Youth Challenge:
One of the things that I admire about Joseph is his confidence and faith in God. In this scripture we see his brothers and even his father, who adores him, get irritated with him. Joseph continued to lean on and trust God even as his story gets crazier and crazier. Sure, he matures in how he shares his dreams, but he stays true to himself and what his dreams told him.
Can you think of a time where you were persecuted or made fun of for something you believed or shared with someone?
In the full story we learn how his brothers were so jealous of him they went as far as selling him into slavery. Joseph continued to rely on God and God continued to provide for and use him. Later Joseph has a great opportunity to “get even” with his brothers, but instead decides to forgive them and look after them.
Who do you need to forgive today? Why can revenge be “so sweet,” but forgiveness so difficult?
Children's Challenge:
- Have you ever been jealous of someone? How did it make you feel?
- Have you ever been punished for something you did not do?
- When you are in a bad situation, can you find the good things that are in your life?
- Make a list of at least 15 things to be grateful for today.
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