Devotion:
Read Genesis 41:14-25.
In Genesis 37, we read of a young Joseph, his father’s favorite and full of himself. We are told of two different dreams he had and then interpreted to his family. The dreams were indeed prophetic about the time when Joseph would be a great leader and his family would bow to him. The dreams were real, and there is no doubt now, looking back, that God had given Joseph the intended interpretation of the dreams. But Joseph told his brothers and even his father and mother about the dreams in an arrogant, me-centered manner that served to alienate them from him.
Interestingly, after being sold and working as a slave, being falsely accused, and living in prison, Joseph demonstrated a radical change in attitude. When requested by Pharaoh to interpret his strange dreams, Joseph passed up the opportunity to make himself look good before this powerful leader. His statement that he could not interpret Pharaoh’s dream himself, but that God will do it showed remarkable humility, growth, and faith on Joseph’s part. Joseph had retained the gift God had given to him for interpreting dreams, but he had left behind the arrogance of his pampered youth.
Personal Worship Option:
Think for a few minutes about what changed when you became a Christian. What habits or attitudes did you leave behind? What good things did you bring along with you? Are there other things you need to give up in order to more closely live the way of Christ?
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