Genesis 40
In the last chapter we saw God granting Joseph favor in the eyes of the prison keeper. In the last verse we read that the Lord is with him. It should come to no surprise then when Joseph is appointed to be with the cupbearer and the baker as they enter the prison. After being there for a time, Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker both have dreams. They are both distraught because they assume there is no one to interpret their dreams. Normally a magician would interpret dreams, yet Joseph replies, “‘Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me’” (v. 8). Joseph’s question is not out of a lack of knowledge, but rather pointing out to the prisoner’s that there is no one besides God who has authority to interpret dreams.
How can Joseph interpret dreams when he is not God?? Joseph is in communion with God. Joseph's relationship with God allows him to be filled with the Spirit and from there have the same authority to interpret dreams. . Because Joseph is near to God, he is able to do the work as God’s hand and feet, being confident as he represents the Lord. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (v. 20). Through our identity in Christ, God gives us the same authority to complete the mission He has given to his Church.
We must recognize that we cannot do anything in our own strength. It is only by the equipping of the Spirit and the powerful name of Jesus we can do the work God invites us to do. . Joseph was not able to interpret the dreams because he was super wise, but since he was in an intimate communion with God. May we put our confidence in the Lord, leaning on the Spirit to accomplish the work in and through us (Philippians 1:6). Trust in the authority that God has given us through the Holy Spirit. Surrender and repent of the unbelief you may have. Pray that the Lord will help you be confident that He has fully equipped you to be the salt and light He calls us to be.
