Joseph is in prison. Two men are down there with him. One is a cupbearer and the other is a baker. They both have a dream. Joseph has the ability to interpret those dreams.

Two years later, Pharaoh has two distinct dreams that were very similar. He called magicians and wise men, but none could interpret them. The cupbearer told Pharaoh about Joseph. So, Pharaoh called Joseph to be brought out of prison.

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” (Genesis 41:15-16 ESV)

Joseph knew without a shadow of a doubt that this talent to interpret dreams was not from his own power. This had to be God giving him the power.

Question: What talents or gifts do you have that you aren’t giving God the credit for? 

Talking Points: Music, athleticism, intellectual capacity, etc. The list goes on and on of talents that we have. For some, we use these talents to glorify God. For some, we use these talents to glorify ourselves. We were placed on this earth to glorify God.

Without God, we would not have these talents. Without God, we would not exist. We need to recognize that our abilities are beautiful gifts from a loving Father who freely gave them to us.

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” (Genesis 41:39-40 ESV)

After Pharaoh had shared his dreams with Joseph, he interpreted them. He also told Pharaoh that he should choose a man to be head over Egypt before the famine hits. Pharaoh chose Joseph to be that man because of his wisdom.

Some might say Joseph’s talents helped him rise to power. He started at the bottom (in prison) and now he is head over Egypt. We often see that in our culture. People like Donald Trump who began in a tiny business office in Brooklyn and is now a very wealthy business man. His business mind is what made him so successful, right?

Joseph used his talent to glorify God. By no means was Joseph trying to rise to power. He told Pharaoh the truth about his dreams. He was rewarded by his faithfulness.

Question: What was Joseph’s reward?

Talking Points: One could say rising to power to be head over Egypt is his reward. I believe the answer can go further. He had lived over two years as a prisoner. He was not raised out of that pit. After this conversation with Pharaoh, he married Asenath. They had two children. He no longer lived a life of misery. Yes, it was wealthy. Yes, he had power. But he was able to live a better life after his brothers sold him into slavery.

Our talents may take us to big things. Most of the time, they don’t. Joseph had a renewal of circumstance because God blessed his talents. When we glorify God, He blesses us with a renewal of Spirit.