Dreams

Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. He said to them, “Hear this dream that I have dreamed: Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.” His brothers said to him, “Are you indeed to reign over us? Or are you indeed to rule over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.  (Genesis 37:5-8 ESV)


The story of Joseph is fascinating.  Beyond the obvious trials and tribulations, successes and failures, sin and redemption aspects of the story are more subtle insights.  As is true with Scripture, we can read the same stories multiple times and discover, on our latest reading, something never before noticed. Consider the passage above and the very familiar story of Joseph.  


Joseph's brothers saw him as the spoiled, favorite son of their father and they hated him.  As if that weren't enough, he relates to them two dreams which depict his brothers bowing down to him.  Talk about adding insult to injury!  We know what happens next - they've had all they can stand and plot to be rid of their annoying brother.  Flash forward 11 years and Joseph is once again dealing with dreams - this time as interpreter for two fellow inmates in an Egyptian prison.  It earns him a reputation which eventually is reported to Pharaoh.  Joseph is called before the ruler to interpret his dreams.  


In both of these instances (the prisoners and Pharaoh) there is one striking difference between Joseph's responses in Egypt and his dream-telling as a teenager in Canaan.  At 17, Joseph's intention seems to be his own exaltation; as a much-humbled adult being held captive in Egypt, his intention is to glorify God, to listen for God's interpretation of these dreams.  The result?  Joseph doesn't seek his own glory yet God raises him up to be the second most powerful man in Egypt.


The lesson to us is clear on one level but there may be another message that can be overlooked.  Joseph's dreams concerning his brothers were, indeed, prophetic words from God.  As the story unfolds, his brothers do end up bowing before their brother, the high-ranking Egyptian official.  But perhaps it wasn't something that was meant to be publicly revealed at the time Joseph had the dream.  God had, indeed, given Joseph a glimpse into his plans but Joseph ran ahead of God, perhaps trying to make this glimpse of the future into a present reality. When have we been given a glimpse into God's plans only to jump in and try to shape, control or manage what we perceive to be our destiny?  Have we ever been tempted to lord it over our friends, family or associates if God is leading us into a position of leadership or responsibility?


God is sovereign and that sovereignty is a great mystery.  His plans and purposes are perfect. His timing is, indeed HIS timing -- not ours.  Joseph suffered as a result of his brothers' sinful response - their hatred and mistreatment.  But the years of suffering and imprisonment appeared to have had not only a humbling effect on Joseph but apparently shifted his focus from himself and his glory to the glory of God and obedience to his Lord. In Genesis 45:6, Joseph states, "It was not you who sent me here, but God."  What man intended for evil, God used for good, working his purposes and plans on a far grander scale than anyone could have imagined --- most especially, Joseph. 


In Matthew 23:12, Jesus says, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."  Wait on the Lord, watch for his guidance.  What may seem to be an interminable wait, may very well be God's time of preparation and training for us in advance of a new ministry or opportunity.  

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, 

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, 

and he will make straight your paths.

(Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)