Preparing for the Future
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Two years after the events of chapter 40.
Pharaoh has a dream
Part 1: From the Nile come seven plump cows, then seven “ugly and thin” cows.
The ugly, thin cows eat the plump cows.
Part 2: Seven ears of grain, “plump and good”, are growing on a stalk.
Then seven thin and blighted ears sprout and swallow up the plump ears.
Pharaoh is troubled and calls on all his magicians and wise men to interpret. Nobody can.
The chief cupbearer remembers his offenses and Joseph who is in prison still v9-13.
Pharaoh calls on Joseph and tells him the dream v14-24
25 Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do. 26 The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good ears are seven years; the dreams are one. 27 The seven lean and ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and the seven empty ears blighted by the east wind are also seven years of famine. 28 It is as I told Pharaoh; God has shown to Pharaoh what he is about to do. 29 There will come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt, 30 but after them there will arise seven years of famine, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt. The famine will consume the land, 31 and the plenty will be unknown in the land by reason of the famine that will follow, for it will be very severe. 32 And the doubling of Pharaoh’s dream means that the thing is fixed by God, and God will shortly bring it about.
Illustration: Shared wisdom
The interpretation: 7 years of plentiful harvest followed by seven years of hard famine.
The suggestion: Prepare for the future
33 Now therefore let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh proceed to appoint overseers over the land and take one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven plentiful years. 35 And let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. 36 That food shall be a reserve for the land against the seven years of famine that are to occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land may not perish through the famine.”
Preparing for the future means selecting a leader.
Who do you follow? Are they worth following?
8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
In the Qualifications for Elders out of Titus:
9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. 10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.
If your leader does not support the full Gospel of Christ, they are not worth following
Preparing for the future means saving your resources.
Why is there so much unrest about minimum wage/pay scale/wealth inequality?
WHENEVER we don’t understand, the church’s role is to listen first, meet needs second, and finally, apply Biblical, Christ-exalting wisdom.
Listen: Tuition costs have raised significantly while minimum wage and salary have stayed the same.
CHART
Provide: Savings, Grants, Scholarships, Degree selection; Mentoring & Coaching
Apply: Live within your means and save for future needs.
Another example -
Listen:
Provide:
Apply:
Preparing for the future means sacrificing for today to thrive tomorrow.
How popular do you think Joseph was? How popular do you think the government was?
What would happen today if our government instituted an additional, 20% tax to provide for the entire population?
Phrases you would hear: “government over-reach”, “Unjust taxation”, “welfare state”.
AND YET: this is the exact suggestion that God’s chosen representative uses. It is God’s will and plan to achieve His ends and it is the very reason seeds of hatred are planted among the Egyptian people.
We are living in a time of global pandemic, and our sacrificing and spending ought to reflect that.
Business meeting Wednesday, August 19th: Budget will stay in belt-tightening mode, thank you for your faithfulness!
Our giving should remain consistent with what God provides.
Our saving should reflect tomorrow’s needs
Our ministry should be increasingly focused on those in need.
Our worship should be humble and God-exalting
4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah 5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. 6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!” 7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. 8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.