One thing that is very true in the Bible as well as in our daily life: Things change. As the old proverb steadfastly testifies to every age, "This, too, shall pass." For Joseph, his time spent in slavery and in prison came to an end, and he was catapulted into a position of authority. For Egypt, seven years of plenty would be followed by seven years of famine, and the nation would be transformed.
Once again, Joseph is called upon to interpret a strange dream. This time, however, the dreamer is not Pharaoh's cupbearer or baker, but Pharaoh himself. He dreamed of a succession of fat cows and skinny cows, healthy ears of corn consumed by sickly ears. When none of his regular magicians and advisers could explain his dreams, Pharaoh's cupbearer remembers the debt he owed Joseph from their days in prison together. He commends Joseph to Pharaoh who sends for him at once.
Joseph remembers to give credit to God for his ability to interpret dreams. When he hears Pharaoh's dreams, he understands that they constitute a message about the future. Seven years of plenty will take place, only to be followed by seven years of want.
Although he was only asked to interpret the dreams, Joseph does one better by also proposing a course of action in the face of such news. A portion of the plenty that is coming must be stored up as a resource to be used during the years of scarcity. Joseph advises Pharaoh to put a man in charge of a new food administration program.
Pharaoh is delighted by Joseph's ability, both to interpret the dreams and by suggesting such a sensible solution. Startlingly, Joseph had woken up that day in the dungeon, but he would go to bed that night the second-most powerful man in Egypt! What a rags to riches story!
Egypt, meanwhile, must prepare for a riches to rags experience. That is Joseph's new job. Being the competent and blessed administrator that he is (seen earlier in his experience at Potiphar's household and the prison), Joseph maneuvers Egypt into position to successfully weather the famine and grow in even greater power from his effective stewardship.
Some of the lessons we can learn from Joseph's life is the wisdom of long-term strategic thinking, saving and storing up a portion of what we have now for future use, and giving God the glory for the abilities that He has given us.
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