Bible Study Online Article
We have now reached the point within this account that confirms the second half of Joseph's dream interpretation. The scriptures had already confirmed the first part of Joseph's dream interpretation, that he had given to Pharaoh. The land of Egypt did experience seven years of abundance, and now were entering into the second half of the interpretation that deals with the famine of seven years: "The seven years of abundance in Egypt came to an end, and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There were famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food." (Genesis 41:53-54) With the confirmation of this passage, we learn that Joseph would prosper in spite of the famine that surrounded the land of Egypt. Because of his obedience and his strong faith when it came to following the ways of the Lord in the midst of his suffering, Joseph has now found himself being personally rewarded with a season of recompense and abundance. God was able to trust Joseph when it came to following His ways, even though the dream interpreter was going through a period in his life that was filled with unfairness, disgrace and affliction. Joseph although concerned and somewhat disappointed -- never wavered in his beliefs and duties, when it came to the one true God. Because of this, the Lord was able to elevate Joseph to a higher level, knowing that he would stay humble and obedient to His ways. And like always, the Lord was right. Being that Joseph would not lose sight of what the Lord had shared with him, through the dreams that He had given to Pharaoh. Joseph had shown great wisdom and stayed focused, as he managed the land of Egypt well during its seven years of abundance. Now the land has entered into the famine of seven years, in which it was fully prepared to sustain it; thanks to Joseph and the instruction and direction that he followed from the Almighty God. One of the great lessons of wisdom that we can gain from Joseph's experiences is one that deals with preparing one's self for the task at hand. We must understand that the seasons of conditions that we experience through life, will forever be -- constantly changing. Understand that we will have seasons where we are prosperous while in a state of easement, and then there will be some seasons that bring some type of loss while were in a state of suffering and affliction. Often times suffering and affliction will come first, and being that we are able to make it through a period of such challenges -- the Bible teaches us to keep our head held up high, with an attitude of great expectations as we make it through the ordeal. We are able to have an attitude of such, because the Lord has prepared and trained us on a lower level, and because of this -- God is able to trust us (just like Joseph) when it comes to handling a season of greater responsibility. This allows us to enter into this period of our lives with added wisdom and a new found confidence that will help us to make better decisions without fear paralyzing us when it comes to taking the necessary steps that deals with succeeding and profiting in a season of such. This is crucial, for what good comes from a season of abundance, if it's wasted through foolishness and poor decisions on our parts because we weren't prepared when we were made stewards over it? NOTE: Although the seven years of abundance had came before the seven years of famine. Keep in mind that Joseph had already gone through a season of suffering and hardship before being trusted with his promotion and the seven years of abundance. "When all Egypt began to feel the famine, the people cried to Pharaoh for food. Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, 'Go to Joseph and do what he tells you.' When the famine had spread over the whole country, Joseph open the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout Egypt. And all the countries came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in all the world." (Genesis 41:55-57) Joseph had been well prepared for what the Lord had brought him into -- that it would seem that he had received another promotion? One would ask: "What promotion could be greater than the position he currently held, for he couldn't surpass Pharaoh -- right?" Understand that the whole Egyptian empire was elevated because of this famine, being that other countries were in some way forced to go and purchase grain from them or starve. Because of this, during this period in history, Egypt would become very powerful and so therefore -- the position the Joseph held would grow in responsibility, for he now, had to deal with the neighboring countries as well and not just Egypt. If a man who did not follow the ways of the Lord, had held this position, he would have used this power in the wrong kind of way. This type of person would have been found to be wicked in the eyes of the Lord. But with Joseph, the other countries will find relief during this time of great dearth and so therefore, Joseph became a blessing not only to the land of Egypt -- but to the other countries as well. The famine was wide spread, far beyond the borders of Egypt. Joseph's father's household was now feeling the effects of this famine as well. Joseph's father, Jacob would send his son's (Joseph's brothers) to Egypt to buy grain. Being that Joseph's brothers had sold him into slavery when he was seventeen, one must wonder what kind of reception they will get, when they come before that same person who now holds a position of great power and authority?
Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty **YOUR CURRENT SERIES WOULD BE HERE** 84) Joseph's Dark Dreams Interpretation 85) Joseph the Overseer of Egypt 86) Joseph the Revealer of Secrets 88) The Seven Years of Abundance 89) <-CURRENT PAGE-> 90) Joseph the Egyptian Prime Minister 91) Joseph's Temptation of Revenge 93) The Confessions of the Ten Tribes  CrossDaily.com Web Search where you can VOTE FOR THIS SITE & other great ones. Christian search engine, directory & voting index. You'll find Bible, chat, churches, jobs, music, reviews, software, theology, & more. See the best sites!
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