In what area of your life are you seeking wisdom?
We all need wisdom daily, but for Joseph the wisdom he needed was to save the world, or at least the part of the world that he lived in. God’s dream given to Pharaoh was that there would be famine for 7 years. In that area of the world crops grew by means of the Nile delta flooding. Understanding that fact, and that the famine was being experienced in Canaan, and that many nations were coming to buy food, we can see that the famine/drought was very widespread. Joseph’s position required tremendous wisdom, for the weight of the world was on his shoulders.
Our theme verse for the day, James 1:5, emphasizes how followers of God can receive wisdom: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Joseph understood and acknowledged this wisdom twice already in these events, both before the cupbearer and baker, and then before Pharaoh himself. In both of those situations he was free and at peace to state that it was God who was the one who interpreted dreams. Pharaoh himself acknowledged Joseph’s wisdom, but notice how he says it: (Gen. 41:38-40) And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.”
Pharaoh not only praised Joseph, but he praised God as the giver and provider of wisdom. He also stated that it is the one in whom is the Spirit of God who has wisdom. Without knowing it, Pharaoh is telling us through God’s Word that each and every Christian possesses wisdom, because we have the Spirit of God in us.
Help the children by pointing out that God’s wisdom only comes from a relationship with God. Each and every person needs to trust in God for the forgiveness of their sins in order to have a relationship with Him and receive his wisdom. Ask them how you can pray for them, if they need wisdom. Trust that God will give wisdom to you this week, and to the children as they trust God.
I Commend Joy! 