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Involuntarily thrust into a pagan culture, Joseph decided to engage it. He served his owner so well that he became "quite a favorite" with him (Genesis 39:4-6). Then, after being unjustly imprisoned, he earned a position of trust while bringing God into his conversations (40:8). So when summoned before Pharaoh, he was divinely prepared to exert influence on a national scale.

Genesis 41:14-16,Genesis 41:33-40

1. To whom did Joseph give credit for the interpretation of the two dreams?
2. But whose thinking was behind the famine survival strategy that Joseph sketched out?
3. What do you think so positively impressed Pharaoh and his advisers in this initial interview?
4. Do you think your relatives, neighbors, and co-workers perceive you as a person in whom the Spirit of God lives?
5. Joseph didn't resist assuming an Egyptian name or taking an Egyptian bride (v. 45). How much of your culture can, and should, you assimilate as you represent Christ in it?

Ask God to guide you to know how to positively and effectively represent Christ to those you interact with in your social setting.

14 Pharaoh sent for Joseph at once, and he was brought hastily from the dungeon. After a quick shave and change of clothes, he went in and stood in Pharaoh's presence. 15 "I had a dream last night," Pharaoh told him, "and none of these men can tell me what it means. But I have heard that you can interpret dreams, and that is why I have called for you." 16 "It is beyond my power to do this," Joseph replied. "But God will tell you what it means and will set you at ease."

33 "My suggestion is that you find the wisest man in Egypt and put him in charge of a nationwide program. 34 Let Pharaoh appoint officials over the land, and let them collect one-fifth of all the crops during the seven good years. 35 Have them gather all the food and grain of these good years into the royal storehouses, and store it away so there will be food in the cities. 36 That way there will be enough to eat when the seven years of famine come. Otherwise disaster will surely strike the land, and all the people will die."

37 Joseph's suggestions were well received by Pharaoh and his advisers. 38 As they discussed who should be appointed for the job, Pharaoh said, "Who could do it better than Joseph? For he is a man who is obviously filled with the spirit of God." 39 Turning to Joseph, Pharaoh said, "Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, you are the wisest man in the land! 40 I hereby appoint you to direct this project. You will manage my household and organize all my people. Only I will have a rank higher than yours."

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me to penetrate my corner of Your world with the salt of the gospel.

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