Night Dreams
Read This Week: Genesis 40
Some time later, the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their master, the king of Egypt. Pharaoh was angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, and put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the same prison where Joseph was confined. The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them. After they had been in custody for some time, each of the two men—the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were being held in prison—had a dream the same night, and each dream had a meaning of its own. – Genesis 40:1-5 NIV
This chapter introduces us to the characters of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, both serving under Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. Both men find themselves imprisoned in a peculiar turn of events, each plagued by unsettling dreams. These dreams, though seemingly ordinary, carry significant symbolism. The cupbearer dreams of pressing grapes into Pharaoh’s cup, while the baker dreams of birds eating bread from a basket on the ruler’s head. These dreams catalyze the events that unfold in this section, setting the stage for God’s continued intervention and redemption of people and their lives.
Enter Joseph, the young Hebrew man we’ve been journeying with for the last three chapters. He is also imprisoned and coincidentally possesses the gift of interpreting dreams. Upon hearing the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker, Joseph offers to interpret them, acknowledging that interpretations belong to the spirit of God. Through divine guidance, he deciphers the dreams, foretelling the imminent fate of the two men. The cupbearer’s dream signifies restoration to his former position, while the baker’s dream foreshadows a grim outcome – his execution by Pharaoh’s decree.
True to Joseph’s interpretation, the events transpire exactly as he predicted. The cupbearer is restored to his position, but unfortunately, the baker meets his demise, just as Joseph had prophesied. However, amidst the intricate web of dreams and interpretations, this particular section of Scripture highlights and calls attention to a broader theme – the ever-present concept of redemption. Joseph, despite enduring betrayal and hardship, remains steadfast in his faith and commitment to interpreting dreams, ultimately paving the way for his eventual salvation and rescue from oppression.
Genesis once again gives us spiritual insights into our lives. It teaches us the importance of faith, even in adversity, and the significance of using our God-given talents and gifts for the greater good and furtherance of His kingdom. Moreover, it highlights the notion of God’s timing in our lives and how He can use us on time in the lives of others as His sovereign plan unfolds in mysterious ways, often beyond our own comprehension.
But there is another lesson to glean from this chapter. We relate not only to Joseph but also to the butler and the baker. In this view, Jesus is like Joseph to us. He was an innocent man who came into our place and described our predicament or condition. He revealed God’s message to us, which was proven true in three days. Joseph, like Jesus, shares a message from God that can bring life or death. When we look for a message from God, we look to Jesus like those with night dreams in this passage. We look for the good news of the gospel, and that news and message rescued us.
Through the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker, we witness God’s activity shaping destinies in the lives of people like us. We then observe Joseph’s strong faith and his pivotal role in interpreting these dreams, ultimately leading to his restoration and eventual rise to power in Egypt. As we reflect on this, may we find inspiration in Joseph’s journey and the overarching message of hope, wisdom, and divine providence.
Genesis 40
God wanted me to look at verse 23:
23 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.
What God said to me on this is:
“Hold your head high when greatness happens to you, but don’t for a second think that it defines you as a person. Many men fall into the trap of ego. If you remain grounded with me you’ll allow yourself to flourish and truly be happy.”
God wants us to be happy but also to remain humble and grateful. What defines us is our love with God, not what we think is important for ourselves. Being proud is the quickest way to fall further and harder when life has its challenges. We need to focus on the great from God and not the hardships from this world.
Genesis Chapter 40
Verse 14: But think of me when it shall be well with you and show kindness. I beg of you, to me, and mentioned me to Pharaoh and get me out of this house.
Verse 23: But [even after all that] the chief Butler gave no thought to Joseph; but forgot [all about] him.
~Faith In God Not Man~
God Is Saying To Me:
My child, lift up your head for me. Do not be saddened, hopeless or angry. Joseph has been scorned, mocked, falsely accused and defamed, yet he remains faithful to me. He has been removed from his country, family, and placed in confinement but he remains faithful to me and strives to lift others up for me. You too my child must remain faithful and committed to me. Always remember that my timing and plans for you are in my time. Others can be supportive, offer suggestions and stand in the gap for you, but man can fail you and let you down. Remain steadfast in your belief that I will rescue you when the time is right because I am a God of my word!
What This Means To Me:
God is always faithful! Other people or Christians can lift you up spiritually, financially or emotionally, but God will remain faithful to his promises to us, rescue us and set us free from condemnation in His timing. He never gets too busy, forgets us or clears us out of his mind, but instead, He lifts us up, encourages us and prepares us for the next divine appointment or level of service. Man can’t make time speed up and will let us down. God will not! God does not forget us but man can. Thank you God for always remembering us and having our best interest at heart. We want to serve you well! ❤️❤️❤️
Have you ever encountered the unexpected aid of a stranger? Out of nowhere, precisely when needed, they appear—offering help and kindness without seeking anything in return.
I believe these moments of serendipity are not as random as they seem. They are the means through which God orchestrates our care for one another, ensuring we look out for and enrich each other’s lives.
It feels like a divine current, where God’s love flows through us to reach others.
Personally, I aspire to always be ready and available—like a guardian angel—to support those around me. Through my own experiences, I’ve come to understand that acting as an instrument of God’s will by offering hope, help, and love is integral to leading a meaningful life.
1. God calls upon us to serve as conduits of assistance to one another.
2. It’s our responsibility to heed this call, utilizing our abilities, talents, and resources to serve and support others.
3. In doing so, we not only demonstrate God’s love but also discover the essence of a truly fulfilling life.
PODCAST
This Week in the Life: Genesis 40
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Genesis 40:14 Only think of me when it goes well with you, and please show me kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh and get me out of this house.
Father God was saying to me
I know the plans I have for you and everyone you love ❤️
In some areas Be still and know that I Am God!
I was training Joesph for what was ahead of him. To be okay right where he was at.
To look to Me for what he needed, to be in peace in his heart
That’s for you my daughter, I’m always teaching you and training you to walk in the Soirit with Me, knowing I Am always working so continue to be a peacemaker and all that I teach you put it in practice, and teach others and know that I Am with you always. I love you ❤️
What this means to me is in life there is always tribulations issues, problems.
But there is wonderful things from our Lord during these times, He blesses us, gives us what we need, so during these times its learning to wait in everything knowing that Father God is with me, and he knows the future and to love to be in training and walking in the spirit with the Lord that it’s a good.
I’m blessed to learn to continue to get to wait and know that He is always working and He loves us and cares for!
Thank you, Father God, that sometimes I may not see what you are doing, but that’s where our faith comes into place believing and knowing that you’re always working on our behalf because we love you we believe in you and what you’re doing here on earth.
It’s all about love and serving you with a good heart❤️️