Thought from today’s Bible reading from Genesis 41-42.
When Pharaoh was troubled over two dreams which he had, he was told of a young Hebrew in prison who could interpret dreams. Pharaoh sent for him immediately to teach him the meaning of these dreams.
“Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, ‘It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer’” (Genesis 41:16).
Joseph knew that he was not the one who possessed such great insight and wisdom. Independently, he was incapable of interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams. He knew that without God’s revelation to him, he could not accurately explain them. He was also humble enough to admit this. It did not matter to Joseph that Pharaoh gave him credit. Joseph wanted it to be clearly understood that he merely explaining the interpretation which God was revealing to him. He wanted God to receive the glory, not himself.
Though we do not interpret dreams today quite like Joseph did, we do explain and teach the truth to others. But when we do so, we must be sure not to teach our opinions or worldly wisdom. We must speak “the utterances of God” (1 Peter 4:11). The only way we can do this is by learning what God has revealed (2 Timothy 2:15) and teaching that to others (2 Timothy 4:2).
Why do we do this? Not to elevate ourselves, but to bring honor to God and lead others to follow Him. We must have the attitude of Paul:
“For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5).
Truth is found in the word of God (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17). We speak the truth when we speak according to its precepts. As we do so, let us make it abundantly clear that God is the source of truth; we are not. We are simply messengers.
Tomorrow’s reading: Genesis 43-45
[I’m using the Chronological reading plan on the Bible Gateway website if you’d like to follow along, too.]
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