Pharaoh dreamed that he saw seven well-fed cows feeding in a meadow. Then soon after, he saw seven other thin ones come up out of the river, and they ate up the fat ones. Then he had another dream in which he saw seven good full ears of corn, followed by seven thin ears which sprang up and devoured the full ones. He was greatly troubled by the dreams, and he asked the wise men of Egypt to interpret them for him. These wise men were, no doubt, very useful to him in explaining other things, but they could not understand the ways of God. It is always so, for the Bible says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). If a man does not have the fear of God in his heart — if he is not truly born again — we cannot expect him to understand the Bible or the things of God. “The natural man (or the unsaved boy or girl) receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Remember this at school. You may have many clever teachers and student friends, but do not expect them to explain or understand the Bible if they are not saved. If they tell you that some of the things in the Bible are foolish and untrue, do not be surprised. Their very ignorance about divine things is only a fresh proof of the truth of God’s Word which tells us that they cannot understand it until they are saved. Never allow anyone to disturb your confidence in the Bible. If the teacher tells you something contrary to it, do not believe him. True science will always prove the Bible to be true, but many of the things taught in schools today are only theories — or suppositions. You may not always understand the Bible but always believe it. It is God’s Word, and God cannot lie.
Honor Belongs to God
When the wise men were unable to explain Pharaoh’s dream, then the butler remembered his mistake. He had forgotten Joseph. A Christian may drift away from the Lord, but, like the butler, he is reminded of his fault sooner or later, and brought back. The butler remembered how Joseph’s word had come true. Yes, what Joseph said was by the Word of the Lord, and so it must come true.
Then Pharaoh called for Joseph to tell him the meaning of his dream. Joseph, however, would not take any honor to himself, but said, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Honor belongs to God, and we should always, like Joseph, make sure that He is given all the glory. Sometimes the world would like to honor us, but we have to watch against anything that exalts man instead of God.
Joseph then began to tell Pharaoh the meaning of what he had dreamed. There were to be seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine.
Let us just give a little practical word here. Some of our young readers have good jobs, and plenty of money, but remember it will not always be that way. If the Lord does not come, there will be a time of shortage, and we should not be wasteful with what we have. If we use it for the Lord, He will repay us well, but if we are wasteful and extravagant with food, clothes, and other things, there will be a time of need when we shall wish we had been more careful.
Further Meditation
1. Who told Pharaoh to call Joseph to interpret his dream?
2. Today there are many sports, business and entertainment figures who brag continually about themselves. Joseph was able to do something far more unique than an artful dunk or a beautiful smile. Compare what he had to say with some of the popular modern leaders.
3. If you are finding refreshment for your soul in studying the life of Joseph, you would really enjoy listening to the CD Audio Album Joseph: Revealer of Secrets, Saviour of the World by H. Smith.