Chapter 41

TWO FULL YEARS!!!! That's how long Joseph had to wait until the cupbearer remembered him in prison and the service Joseph had done him by interpreting his dream. And why did he suddenly think of him? Because Pharaoh had two dreams that disturbed him but none of Egypt's wise men or magicians could explain them. That's when the chief cupbearer admits his faulty memory – when Joseph is needed again to interpret dreams.

 

This sets in motion the most remarkable change of circumstances. Pharaoh sends for Joseph who, after a quick shave and change of clothes, finds himself being expected to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. Joseph's first response? “I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” (41:16). So Pharaoh tells Joseph his dreams, Joseph tells Pharaoh what they mean AND suggests how to deal with the reality of the upcoming 7 years of abundant harvests to be followed by 7 years of famine. Next thing we know, Joseph is second only to Pharaoh and has been put “in charge of the whole land of Egypt” (41:41). He is given a wife, has two sons with her, and oversees the collection and distribution of food not only to Egypt but also to foreigners coming from neighbouring countries. Read the full story in Genesis 41.

What was Joseph thinking through all this? One of the windows that we have into Joseph's mindset during this time is the naming of his sons. In Genesis 41:51-52 we read:

“Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh* and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” The second son he named Ephraim* and said, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”

While in the years of abundance, Joseph comes to a place where he settles in Egypt and puts behind him the family and troubles of his youth. He focuses on God's work through him even while he is suffering.

 

I think that is a pretty good place to be - making the most of where God has him and using the gifts God has given him. We can learn from Joseph how to keep serving God and not shut-down our gifts and abilities even if we are in “the land of suffering”. But the story isn't over..... and while Joseph has forgotten his father's household, they are about to land on his doorstep and bring him face to face with a new challenge.

*Manasseh sounds like the Hebrew for “forget.” Ephraim sounds like the Hebrew for “twice fruitful.”