Lesson: Joseph & His Nation

Session 4

Scripture Reading

Introduction: Pharaoh's Dreams

Pharaoh had two vivid dreams the same night.

• In the morning, his mind was troubled.
• None of Egypt's magicians or wise men could interpret Pharaoh's dreams.

A. Joseph's Opportunity

• The chief cupbearer remembered Joseph and his ability to accurately interpret dreams.

• Pharaoh summoned Joseph and expressed confidence in his abilities.

• Joseph refused to take credit for the ability God had given him.

B. Joseph's Interpretation

Joseph tells Pharaoh that:

• Both dreams have the same meaning.
• God is revealing what He is about to do.
• Seven years of abundant harvest will be followed by seven years of famine.
• The repetition of the dream means it is definite and soon.

C. Joseph's Recommendation

Joseph recommended God-centered solutions to his nation's problems.

1. Look for a person who is wise and discerning to prepare Egypt for the coming famine.
2. Appoint other leaders under his authority.
3. Set aside 20% of the harvest during the seven years of abundance.
4. Store it and protect it against loss.

D. Pharaoh's Decision

• Pharaoh entrusted this role to Joseph because of his character and abilities.

• Pharaoh delegated Joseph total authority with only one limitation.
• Pharaoh gave Joseph symbols of his authority.
  1. Signet Ring
  2. Fine Linen Garments
  3. Gold Necklace
  4. Second Chariot
  5. New Name

E. Joseph's Impact

1. At this point, Joseph was only 30 years old.
2. The land produced seven years of great harvests just as God had promised.
3. Food was stored locally to provide for the people who had done the work and made the sacrifice.

1. God blessed Joseph with two sons.
   • Manasseh means "God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household."
   • Ephraim means "God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."

1. After seven years of abundance, the famine began just as Joseph had predicted.
2. The famine extended to other countries, but only Egypt was prepared.
3. When the people cried out to Pharaoh, he told them to go to Joseph and follow his orders.

1. Joseph waited until the famine was nationwide before he opened the storehouses.
2. People from all over the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph.
3. Egypt was generous and resisted the temptation to hoard their resources.
4. As a result, Egypt's wealth increased and Egypt's position as a global super-power was strengthened.
5. Only God could elevate a rejected brother, falsely accused slave, and forgotten prisoner to a position of global economic and political influence.

Our Response…

• What social problem has God given you a burden for?
• What platform of influence has God entrusted to you?
• What one practical action will you take to leverage your influence and bring God-centered solutions to a specific problem in our world today?