It is beyond my power...

Today's Readings:
Genesis 41-42
Matthew 12:1-23

"Pharaoh sent for Joseph at once, and he was quickly brought from the prison. After he shaved and changed his clothes, he went in and stood before Pharaoh. Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream last night, and no one here can tell me what it means. But I have heard that when you hear about a dream you can interpret it.”

“It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.”

Genesis 41:14-16

Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob had been thrown into a pit by his own brothers, sold into slavery, falsely imprisoned and here he stands before Pharaoh, the most powerful man in all the land with a chance to solve a big problem for Pharaoh...and perhaps himself. He knew he could solve the problem. He knew he had that power, a power if used could get him out of jail and possibly get Joseph his life back...and what does he say?

"It is beyond my power."

WHAT?!?! C'mon Joseph, you have suffered long enough. Take the credit. Allow Pharaoh to give you some props. You deserve this. But that's not Joseph..."I can't, but God can." After so many years of trouble, trouble he didn't cause. Hardship that would cause most men to curse God, Joseph chooses instead to give God the glory.

He must have known that God had been up to something in his life (but more on this later)

Joseph gives God the glory...and in turn Joseph is honored and respected by Pharaoh. So much so that Pharaoh makes Joseph the most powerful man in the country. (Genesis 41:38-40)

"Pharaoh asked his officials, “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are. You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours.”

When we honor God, people see it, they respect it...and it makes God look good. He gets the glory when we are faithful.

"let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (Matthew 5:16)

"Make it your goal to live a quiet life...then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live..." (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

"Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors...they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God" (1 Peter 2:12)

There is something marvelous about the quiet, humble, faithful and consistent life that seeks to daily glorify God that gets people's attention. It is a life that leads others to glorify Him as well.

I think we all could be just a little bit more like Joseph...

"It is beyond my power...but God can."

Tomorrow's Reading:
Genesis 43-45
Matthew 12:24-50