Genesis Chapter 42

GENESIS

 CHAPTER

42

1 When Jacob learned that there was grain supplies in Egypt, said to his sons, 'Why do you keep staring at one another?

(Genesis chapter 42 verse 1)

Just as Joseph had predicted a famine did take place. The term 'whole world' might have meant the whole region including that of Canaan where Joseph and his family had been living and where Jacob his father still was. During moments of desolation and sin our resources will also be depleted and as in the case of Jacob's sons we end up staring at each other in a state of utter helplessness. However if we shift our focus on God we become motivated to face the problem and take the necessary action. The sons of Jacob were still facing the consequences of the wrong doing that they had done to their brother Joseph. They were facing a spiritual crisis.

2 I have heard, he said, 'that there is grain in Egypt: go down and buy grain for us there, that we may live and not die.'

(Genesis chapter 42 verse 2)

Jacob orders his children to get out of their passive state and do something practical about the situation at hand that conditioned their survival. On a spiritual level the same thing may happen. The evil one places us in a state of depression in relation to the situation and would like us to remain there so we lose faith in God. However God on the contrary does not wish us to remain in such a state and like Jacob motivates us to place our trust in Him and move on.

3. So ten of Joseph's brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. 4. But Jacob did not send Joseph's brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he feared that harm might come to him. 

(Genesis chapter 42 verses 3 to 4)

As in the case of Jacob we may respond positively to the will of God in the given situation, however we may propose our conditions and reservations, who accepted to send all his sons except Benjamin his youngest. One of the most important factors that my hinder us from obeying the will of God is that of fears and anxiety. Jacob may had still not recovered from the loss of Joseph, who was also the youngest of the household. Therefore he may have projected his fears on Benjamin and created an unhealthy shield of over protection in order to ensure the well being of his son Benjamin who psychologically prefigured his son Joseph.

5. Thus the sons of Israel were among the other people who came to buy grain,  for the famine had reached the land of Canaan.

(Genesis chapter 42 verse 5)

As a Christian Church and even those of other religions in times of crisis we are to refer to our point of origin that is God, from where we can recharge our spiritual and physical selves with the much needed resources during periods of spiritual crisis. Our greatest famine is that of God which supersedes all other needs. God is that person, who can understand us and give us the much needed comfort. 

6. Now Joseph, was governor over the land; it was he who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph's brothers came and bowed themselves before him with their faces to the ground.

(Genesis chapter 42 verse 6)

As in Joseph's dream his brothers came before him and bowed down with their faces to the ground. As in our rituals of manifestation and respect towards humans we are also to show our respect to God. As humans we tend to be rude before God and humble in the presence of humans, however it is God who can genuinely love us and guide us in our ways.

7 When Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them like strangers and spoke harshly to them. "Where do you come from?' he said. They said, 'From the land of Canaan to buy food" 8. Although Joseph had recognised his brothers, they did not recognise him. 

(Genesis chapter 42 verses 7 to 8)

On seeing his brothers Joseph treated them as if he would treat total strangers. He adopted this attitude in order to test them. Joseph asked his brothers a very important question, 'where do you come from?' or maybe who are you. On reflecting I imagine myself in the presence of God and also imagine my feelings if God had to treat me like a stranger and be indifferent to me, as if He did not know me. This would be very shocking indeed. It would be the saddest thing that ever happened to me. Even though I am a sinner I pray to you Jesus, that I may always form part of your inner circles, and never be a stranger to you.

9 Joseph remembered the dreams that he had dreamed about them. He said to them, 'You are spies: you have come to see the nakedness of the land!"

(Genesis chapter 42 verse 9)

Joseph remembered, the dreams that he had dreamt of his brothers who would come and bow down before him, thus confirming that it was the will of God, that made this event possible. Joseph accused his brothers that they were spies sent to discover the weaknesses of the land. On reflecting we all have such weaknesses, however these areas of weakness are not to put us down, but we are to pray to God to turn them into strengths.

10. They said to him, "No, my lord; your servants have come to buy food. 11 We are all sons of one man; we are honest men; your servants have never been spies."

(Genesis chapter 42 verses 10 to 11)

On reflecting Joseph's brothers shared their intentions with him. They proved themselves to be true in their intentions. Although their intentions may have been fair, however Joseph was aware of their true potential towards evil. God is also aware of both our intentions and our actions.

12. But he said to them, "No you have come to see the nakedness of the land! 13 They said, "We, your servants, are twelve brothers, the sons of a certain man in the land of Canaan; the youngest, however, is now with our father, and one is no more."

(Genesis chapter 42 verses 12 to 13)

Joseph's brothers still tried to prove that they were not spies.  and are sons of same father and tell him that the youngest brother is with their father and one have died. When Joseph placed them under pressure they revealed that they had another brother and they even mentioned the fact that they had another brother who had passed away, however they did not go into depth on the issue.

Joseph's brothers tried to justify their intentions. Justification by means of rationalisation is a tool that is being used quite often on both a scientific and social level and even on a spiritual level. There are some who even want to prove if God really exists or not. While playing Need for Speed World my favourite on line game, there was a driver who told the other that only Jesus could help him win this race. I felt the urge to intervene when I heard the name of Jesus being mentioned. The Holy Spirit in me motivated me to declare to this person that I love Jesus. The driver stated that he hated Jesus. Moreover the latter stated that Jesus was dead. I asked him to prove it. In order to justify his claim he said that Jesus  as a human could live up to the year 2014. I insisted that Jesus was not a human anymore but became God on rising from the dead, to which I was given no response. This person tried to use rationalisation to justify his claim, however God does not need anybody to justify Him and His existence. He is always with us close to us more than our own skin.

14. But Joseph said to them, "It is just as I have said to you; you are spies! 15 Here is how you shall be tested: as Pharaoh lives, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here!

(Genesis chapter 42 verses 14 to 15)

In order to test his brothers Joseph kept on insisting that they were spies. Moreover he decided that they were to be tested in order to prove themselves. Due to His love for us God also puts us through tests in order to see if we still love him. During such moments God brings us face to face with our sinful reality that of being sinful humans. God helps us to stop, think and evaluate who we are and our objective in life, that is the salvation of our souls and that of others for we cannot be saved alone. 

16. Let one of you go and bring your brother, while the rest of you remain in prison, in order that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you; or else, as Pharaoh lives, surely you are spies." 17. And he put them all together in prison for three days.

(Genesis chapter 42 verses 16 to 17)

Joseph then continues by saying that one of them may go but the rest if them would have to be detained in custody for three days. At times we have to go against our will and obey the will of others instead of our own. The three days in prison are like the three days Jesus spent in the tomb before He rose again.

18. On the third day Joseph said to them, "Do this and you will live, for I fear God.

(Genesis chapter 42 verse 18)

On the third day Joseph had mercy on his brothers. It could be that He considered the negative  consequences that the delay of their return would have on their father.  Joseph was aware that he only wanted to test his brothers and not punish them for in reality Joseph was aware that his brothers were not really spies. 

19. If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here where you are imprisoned. The rest of you shall go and carry grain for the famine of your households, 20 and bring your youngest brother to me. Thus your words will be verified, and you shall not die!' And they agreed to do so. 

(Genesis chapter 42 verses 19 to 20)

Joseph had mercy on his brothers and made a concession with them, that they may leave one of their brothers stay in Egypt while the others may return back home taking their grain with them so that their family would not starve, as a consequence of the famine. Moreover they were bound to keep their part of the bargain in order to prove their innocence. God permits that we experience moments of tribulations, however He also gives us the opportunity to prove our real selves during such moments.

21. They said to one another, 'Alas, we are paying the penalty for what we did to our brother; we saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this anguish has come home upon us."

(Genesis chapter 42 verse 21)

Joseph's brothers realised that they were being punished for what they had done to their brothers Joseph. Moreover they became aware that as they had ignored Joseph's pleas of mercy they were being treated in the same manner. On reflecting God is merciful in His ways but He is also just. In treating his brothers in this way Joseph was reflecting God in His ways of judgement.

During such moments of crisis we experience the voice of God that we call our conscience. This voice or the grace of God in us, makes us aware of our mistakes and the consequences that we had to endure in order to make amends for our wrong doings. 

22. Then Reuben answered them, 'Did I not tell you not to wrong the boy? But you would not listen. So now there comes a reckoning for his blood."

(Genesis chapter 42 verse 22)

Ruben then reminded them that when they were about to do harm to Jacob he was warning them and if he had listen to him they would not face this problem that they are facing now.

Just before we are about to sin there is always an inner voice in us that is send by god that tell us that no do not do it is always the last chance to avoid sinning but sometimes we listen and stop and later we realise what blunder we were about to do but sometimes we avoid the inner voice and sin and later we realise what mistake and feel guilt for it we have done as Reuben did the job of inner voice and his brothers had neglected it and have caused harm to Joseph now they realise what mistake they have done and recall that moment were Reuben had warned them.

23 They did not know that Joseph understood, because there was an interpreter between them.

(Genesis chapter 42 verse 23)

They were completely unaware of the fact that Joseph could understand them as there was an interpreter between them. As in the case of Joseph's brothers we are not aware that God can interpret the language of our soul, that yearns to be with God but is trapped inside this sinful and corrupt body. God interprets our verbal language in the sense that He is aware of our agendas and intentions. He is also aware of our non verbal language, which means what we say as in the Freudian slip, or our non verbal behaviour that we express by means of our body. God is able to interpret our every move. We are like an open book on a table before Him that He is able to read without difficulty.

24 He turned away from them and wept; then he returned and spoke to them. And he picked out Simeon and had him bound before their eyes. 

(Genesis chapter 42 verse 24)

(Joseph seeing the condition of his brothers and his family was sad and he took his moment and when he was able to speak again he choose Simon out of them to stay and had bound him.

This showed the human side of Joseph as he was betrayed by his brothers and he was currently punishing them for this act but he still cared for them and was sad seeing his brothers at such state. God also feel sad to punish us he is not happy when he see us sad for he really love us but sometimes tough decisions are made for our own good but he still cares and is sad seeing us getting punished.

The faith ,thrust, honesty with god act as an interpreter as the more thrust we place more faith we place and the more honest we be with god more closer we are to god as he never judge us by our appearance but by our nature and our goodness.

25 Joseph then gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to return every man's money in his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. This was done for them. 26 They loaded their donkeys with their grain and departed.

(Genesis chapter 42 verses 25 to 26)

Joseph then gave them everything they needed for their journey and enough grain for their family, and they were on their way back to their father. During the course of this life God gives us all the stock in graces, consolations and even desolations in order to help us on our pathway to our heavenly home.

27. When one of them opened his sack to give his donkey fodder at the lodging place, he saw his money at the top of his sack. 28 He said to his brothers, 'My money has been put back; here it is, in my sack!' At this they lost heart sank, and turned trembling to one another saying, "What is this that God has done to us?

(Genesis chapter 42 verses 27 to 28)

According to the author of this chapter at times, when we need something but we do not get exactly what we want, we feel a bit disappointed and question God;s reasons for this or that event to have taken place in our life. Our first reaction is to ask God, "Why did you let this happen" as if it is His fault that things ended up in this or that manner, without ever stopping to consider our part in the whole affair. When putting the blame on others we are being very irresponsible.

29. When they came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan, they told him all that had happened to them, saying 30. " The man, the lord of the land spoke harshly to us, and charged us with spying on the land. 31. But we said him, 'We are honest men, we are not spies. 32 We are twelve brothers, sons of the our father; one is no more, and the youngest is now with our father in the land of Canaan.' 33 Then the man the lord of the land said to us, 'By this is I shall know that you are honest men: leave one of your brothers with me, take grain for the famine of your households and go your way. 34 Bring your youngest brother to me, and I shall know that you are not spies but honest men. Then I will release your brother to you and you may trade in the land." 35 As they were emptying their sacks,  there in each one's sack was his bag of money. When they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were dismayed. 

(Genesis chapter 42 verses 29 to 35)

Upon retuning home to their father the sons of Jacob gave him, a full report of what had happened to them in the land of Egypt and of the consequences of their experience there which entailed that one of their brothers was left behind in Egypt and the youngest was required to go with them in order to free the latter. We can only imagine Jacob's feelings on being given this distressful news. Moreover on finding the bags of gold in their sacks Jacob may have become very sceptic about the truth of the situation and thus find reason to doubt the brothers and their account of their experience. This second experience that put the life of his youngest son at risk, may have reminded Jacob of the outcome of his other youngest son Joseph and may have stimulated more hurt and sorrow in him.

According to Mr. Deevain Ajit Pawar the author of this chapter;

"There are times were we are unaware of  the truth and for a long period of time we still remain unaware of the truth of a given situation, however on reflecting knowing this truth would cause more harm than good. As in the case of Jacob he was denied the truth of the nature of Joseph's disappearance as a consequence of his brother's jealousy and Jacob's personal preferential treatment towards Joseph, which was the spark that stimulated the bonfire, however which was according to God's plan for our salvation.

36 Then their father Jacob said to them, 'You are robbing me of my children; Joseph is no more; Simeon is no more; and now you want to take Benjamin. I bear the brunt of all this!'

(Genesis chapter 42 verse 36)

Jacob could not contain himself anymore he accused his children for the loss of Joseph and further more for putting his son Benjamin at risk. Astonishingly Jacob took the blame upon himself. As his father Isaac had shown preferential treatment between Jacob and Esau, Jacob had done the same mistake and gave preferential treatment to Joseph and now to Benjamin. Jacob became mature enough to claim responsibility for his actions.

37. Then Reuben said to his father, 'You may kill my two sons if I do not bring him back to you. Put him in my hands and I will bring him back to you."

(Genesis chapter 42 verse 37)

Reuben then tries to assure Jacob that if he does not bring Benjamin back then Jacob may kill his both his sons. This is as bad as taking an oath on God. Reuben had no right to put at risk the lives of his sons. He was taking a big risk on the well being of his own sons and on that of his brother Benjamin.

38. But he said, 'My son shall not go down with you, for his brother is dead he alone is left. If harm should come to him on the journey that you are to make, you would bring down my grey hairs with sorrow to Sheol."

(Genesis chapter 42 verse 42)

Jacob still refused to permit Benjamin to go to Egypt with the brothers even though Reuben assured him  that if anything happen to Benjamin, he would  compensate Benjamin's life with that of his own sons. Today even though God assures us of his love, care and authenticity we still doubt Him and do not fully place our  trust in Him. As humans we  may still think that God is really on my side but on the other hand when the going gets tough we may start questioning his presence instead of trusting Him and being grateful for all the good workd He has done in our life.

The author of this chapter decided to end this chapter with the following prayer:

God thank you for being the my inner voice, and for stopping me from making mistakes. I would also thank you for making me realise my mistakes. You have always been my guide in my life and showed me the way. Sorry for ever doubting your ways and for trying to find the way on my own. I really thank you God for everything you have done in my life because I now realise that if you had never took those steps in my life, whether I liked or not I really would not know what would become of my life. 

 Thank you God

I would also like to include the following exhibit shared with the consent of Marcia Agacer a follower of this blog.

(Marcia Agacer)

Genesis Chapter 41

GENESIS 

CHAPTER 

41

1. After two whole years, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing by the Nile, 2 and there came up out of the Nile seven sleek and fat cows, and they grazed in the reed grass. 3. Then seven other cows, ugly and thin, came up out of the Nile after them, and stood by the other cows on the bank of the Nile. 4 The ugly and thin cows ate up the seven sleek and fat cows. And Pharaoh awoke.

(Genesis chapter 41 verses 1 to 4)

Two years had passed and the cup bearer had not re paid Joseph for having interpreted his dream and had Joseph removed from the dungeon were he was being held unjustly.  Therefore God intervened on Joseph's behalf and caused the Pharaoh to dream so that Joseph could intervene according to the will of God. When human intervention is lacking God uses all the available means, so that His will is made possible to unfold.

Pharaoh's dream is very interesting. On reflecting it has a very interesting significance. The nice and fat cows represent, the good part of humanity. However as humans we are prone to sin and cannot remain in a state of grace forever. Therefore the sleek cows are followed by the ugly ones that represent our bad side, that if permitted by us, will destroy all the goodness that God has given us. The Pharaoh was so traumatised by the dream that he awoke. When we make a genuine experience of our sinful self, in contrast to the positive reality that God wishes us to live, and the negative consequences of sin, we are sure to experience the same trauma as did the Pharaoh and all who experienced the dark side of hell.

5. Then he fell asleep and dreamed a second time; seven ears of grain, plump and good, were growing on one stalk. 6. Then seven ears, thin and blighted by the east wind, sprouted after them. 7. The thin ears swallowed up the seven plump and full ears. Pharaoh awoke, and it was a dream.

(Genesis chapter 41 verses 5 to 7)


The second dream is very similar to the first dream. In both dreams the bad and ugly destroys the good, thus giving the impression that for a period there would be good times that are followed by very bad times. In the spiritual life, and even in our social life, the same pattern is experienced. Good times, or consolations, are followed by periods of desolation's, which at times may be very difficult to endure. However as the saying says, 'at the end of every rainbow there is awaiting a pot of gold' therefore we must always trust in God and rest assured that He will deliver us, when He considers the time as being appropriate.



8. In the morning his spirit was troubled; so he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them to Pharaoh.

(Genesis chapter 41 verse 8)


The Pharaoh was troubled by the dreams that he dreamt. Any intervention by God as is the dreams, requires a response in order to be genuine, as in the theory of cause and effect. The effect follows the cause. Our being troubled and trying to make sense of the dream is the response which is followed by serious action. As Joseph had told the chief baker and the cup bearer dreams have their origins in God and therefore only God or people of God can interpret them. Therefore it is a waste of time and money to go to fortune tellers or wizards in order to seek the truth, because God is the only source of truth that can enlighten us in such circumstances.



9. Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, " I remember my faults today. 10 Once Pharaoh was angry with his servants, and put me and the chief baker in custody in the house of the captain of the guard. 11 We dreamed on the same night, he and I, each having a dream with its own meaning. 12. A young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. When we told him, he interpreted our dreams to us, giving an interpretation to each according to his dream. 13 As he interpreted to us, so it turned out; I was restored to my office, and the baker was hanged."

(Genesis chapter 41 verses 9 to 13)


On reflecting God can use any circumstance to enable His will to unfold. By means of the skill of dream interpretation, God permitted Joseph to interpret the dreams of the cup bearer and the baker, on the other hand God also has the faculty of stimulating our memory in order for us to recollect positive moments in our life, that had a strong impact on our lives, as in the example of moments, when we experienced peak moments with God.


14. Then Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was hurriedly brought out of the dungeon. When he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came in before Pharaoh. 15 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it."

(Genesis chapter 41 verses 14 to 15)

When appearing before the Pharaoh Joseph prepared himself well by shaving himself and changing his clothes. The Pharaoh was the most important person of Egypt. When appearing before God, maybe every Sunday we must also take care of how we appear before God.  People judge us on how we appear from the outside, however God makes who knows us as we really are, and not according to our external impression is able to give us a more intimate and intense scan, taking into consideration the well being of our soul, and our spiritual relationship with Him and with those of our inner and external circles.

16. Joseph answered Pharaoh, " It is not I; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer."

(Genesis chapter 41 verse 16)

It is worth noting Joseph's humble attitude in the presence of the powerful Pharaoh. Moreover Joseph attributed his skill as being the merit of God and not his own. This is very important, for anything we do we accomplish not by our own merit, but by the will of God who accomplishes acts by means of us. Therefore for anything we accomplish and even for those that are not successful we are to thank God because in truth they are His accomplishments and not ours. However when we will fully do a sinful and wicked act we cannot attribute it to God, for nothing evil has its origins in God. 

 17 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "In my dream I was standing on the banks of the Nile; 18 and seven cows, fat and sleek, came up out of the Nile and fed in the reed grass. 19 Then seven other cows came up after them, poor very ugly, and thin. Never had I seen such ugly ones in all the land of Egypt. 20 The thin and ugly cows ate up the first seven fat cows, 21 but when they had eaten them no one would have known that they had done so, for they were still as ugly as before. Then I awoke.

(Genesis chapter 41 verses 17 to 21)

The Pharaoh recollected his dreams to Joseph, who was a person of God. Moreover as referred to by Joseph dreams have their origins in God, therefore there is nobody better than people of God who can give such reliable feedback. Priests or friars who are grounded in discernment are able to help us in a spirit of prayer to discern if the prayer is from God or from a negative spirit, according to a strict criteria as formulated by Saint Ignatius of Loyola and by means of other sources.

 22. I fell asleep a second time and I saw in my dream seven ears of grain, full and good, growing on one stalk, and seven ears, withered, thin, and blighted by the east wind, sprouting after them; 24 and the thin ears swallowed up the seven good ears. But when I told it to the magicians, there was no one who could explain it to me."

(Genesis chapter 41 verses 22 to 24)

Many people may attempt to give explanations of dreams. There exists also on line web-sites that offer various interpretations, however in order to discern if the dream has a spiritual significance it is best to consult it with your spiritual director or other competent people in the Church.

 25. Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, "Pharaoh's dreams are one and the same; 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, as are the seven empty ears blighted by the east wind. They are 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 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 The plenty will no longer be known in the land because of the famine that will follow, for it will be very grievous. 32 And the doubling of Pharaoh's dream means that the thing is fixed by God, and God will shortly bring it about. 

(Genesis chapter 41 verses 25 to 32)

By means of the insights and knowledge given to Joseph by the Holy Spirit of God, Joseph was able to transmit to the Pharaoh the connectedness or relationship of both dreams and even show how the consequences of each dream were in fact to take place, thus giving an objective portrayal of the future events that were to take place. One way associate this with fortune telling, however the difference is that fortune-telling is based on probability, while Joseph's interpretations were based on facts, that were under the control of God, and that in fact really happened.

32,  Now therefore let Pharaoh select a man who is discerning and wise, 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 plenteous years. 33 Let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming, and lay 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 befall the land of Egypt, so that the land may not perish through the famine."

(Genesis chapter 41 verses 32 to 36)

God's response to the interpretation of a call or a dream, or a call by means of a dream, does not leave a person passive in its sight. God is dynamic meaning always active on our behalf. Therefore like God when we receive, his call we are to be active and respond to Him. When interpreting the dream, Joseph not only gave Pharaoh the meaning but also suggested the needed action. As Christians God gave us a universal call as Christians, but also a personal call. Everyday God awaits our response to His call. The universal call is to love Him and others until it hurts. Love not according to the ways of the world, meaning those who love us, but mostly those who do not show us their love. If we ask God to give us more doses of His love ,we can put a dose of this love in every situation and God promises to change it from a negative one, to a positive one that is according to His Holy will.

37. The proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his servants. 38 Pharaoh said to his servants, "Can we find anyone else like this one in whom is the spirit of God?"39. So Pharaoh said to Joseph, Since God has shown you all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command; only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you." 

(Genesis chapter 41 verses 37 to 40)

On seeing that Joseph had proved himself worthy of interpreting his dream and came up with the perfect solution Pharaoh upgraded Joseph's status by making him second in command. Joseph was accountable only to Pharaoh and nobody else. Moreover everybody apart from the Pharaoh was subject to Joseph. On reflecting it can be commented that many times God proves Himself, loving, faithful and most of all reliable in our lives. He passes all of our tests, but somehow we still doubt him. We never promote Jesus as our primary source of reference, love and care, but seek that of the world. This is a real pity, because nobody on this earth, loves us and is willing to be caring and supportive to us as much as Jesus. Therefore we are to promote Him as our point of reference over the world, and refer to His Word in a spirit of prayer for our guidance. From experience I assure you that when referred to in the appropriate time it gives me all the answers to my problems, or enough enlightenment and courage to move on in life. I always carry my mini pocket book version of the New Testament in my pocket. Every time I open at random without trying to find a particular verse God always speaks to my soul. Thank You Jesus for giving me such a reliable connection. 

41. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt." 42 Removing his signet ring from his hand, Pharaoh put it on Joseph's hand; he arrayed him in garments of fine linen, and put a gold chain around his neck. 43 He had him ride in the chariot of his second in-command; and they cried out in front of him, "Bow the knee!" Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt. 44. Moreover Pharaoh said to to Joseph, " I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall lift up hand or foot in the land of Egypt." 45 Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah; and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On,as his wife. Thus Joseph gained authority over the land of Egypt.

(Genesis chapter 41 verses 41 to 45)

On reflecting the Pharaoh gave Joseph unlimited authority over Egypt. This reminds me of the Devil who also wanted to give Jesus unlimited power over all the cities of the world. Moreover in the New Testament in relation to the issue of Authority Pontius Pilate told Jesus that he had authority over him. Jesus told him that he would not have had authority over him if it had not been given by God the father. Therefore it follows that in truth it was not the Pharaoh who had given authority, to Joseph but God the father who was unfolding the process of His plan of our salvation by means of Joseph and what was to take place in Egypt.

46, Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt.

(Genesis chapter 41 verse 46)

Although Joseph was still very young God still chose him to be His voice and presence in the land of Egypt. Joseph did not waste time. As soon as he was given the assignment ,without any lingering Joseph went to work. As Christians we and even people of many other religions we have also been given an assignment to love others and even ourselves. Jesus fulfilled His assignment for our salvation to the letter when he gave us his body and soul as a living sacrifice for our redemption. Now its our turn to continue living our assignment every day of our lives.

47. During the seven plenteous years the earth produced abundantly. 48 He gathered up all the food of the seven years when there was plenty in the land of Egypt, and stored up food in the cities; he stored up in every city the food from the fields around it. 49 So Joseph stored up grain in such abundance-like the sand of the sea-that he stopped measuring it: it was beyond measure.

(Genesis chapter 41 verses 47 to 49)

As transmitted in the dream, the seven good years were great in abundance. This was a sign of God's presence who was helping Joseph and at the same time continuing the process of the plan for our salvation. When viewing single events in our lives, we might question their meaning, however when viewing the events linked as a chain one succeeding the other, only then we realise the big picture and what God has planned for us.

50. Before the years of famine came, Joseph had two sons, whom Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him. 51 Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, "For," he said, "God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father's house." 52 The second he named Ephraim, "For God has made me fruitful in the land of my misfortunes."

(Genesis chapter 41 verses 50 to 52) 

According to verses 50 to 52 God was helping Joseph in a holistic way. He was helping Joseph even on a personal level. Joseph became a family man having two children of his own. It appears that this new experience was enough to compensate for his previous moments of desolation and hardship. Although life alienates us from the cruel reality of the hardships of life, when stopping to reflect it may all come back to us. However God is loving caring and comforting especially during these moments. Our reality as sinners and humans is one that we cannot avoid for a very long time.

53. The seven years of plenty that prevailed in the land of Egypt came to an end; 54 and the seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in every country, but throughout the land of Egypt there was bread. 55. When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, "Go to Joseph; what he says to you, do."

(Genesis chapter 41 verses 53 to 55)

The Pharaoh sent the citizens of his kingdom to Joseph in order for him to give them food. During our times, the mother of God in Medgugorie and other places is sending us to her son Jesus, for it is only Him who can comfort and love us and help us in all are needs, and not the ways of the world, which can only give us quick fix solutions, which in reality do not solve the problem at all.

56. And since the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. 57 Moreover, all the world came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine became severe throughout the world.

(Genesis chapter 41 verses 56 to 57)

On reflection today a spiritual famine also exists, even amongst us who call ourselves Christians. This can be felt even in Malta. When the choice came to vote in favour and or against the issues of divorce, and that of mixed marriages, the majority of the voters chose to vote in favour of both issues. These issues are both compelling people to act against the will of God. The devil is persuading people to make a parody of the Christian marriage. This is being done by the institution of a caricature of the traditional model, that accepts the couple to be of different genders. Society has chosen to embark on a road leading to its own destruction. When a society cannot reproduce itself any more it will die a natural death. When considering that the birth rate has decreased, and our population is becoming of an age, introducing the civil union that accepts the unification as in marriage between people of the same gender is adding fuel to the flame in the sense of making this problem more complicated than it already is. This is the work of the Devil and who is cooperating with his plan are his accomplices.

I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer published with the permission of Marcia Agacer 

Genesis Chapter 40

GENESIS

 CHAPTER 

40

1. Some time after this, the cup bearer of the king of Egypt and his baker offended their lord the king of Egypt. 2. Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cup bearer and the chief baker, 3 and he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison where Joseph was confined.

(Genesis chapter 40 verses 1 to 3)

At times we end up in situations and places that we never planned to be. For instance throughout my life I ended up working in many places. In turn God permitted me to meet and work with many people, both local and foreign, all having a different background, character and or personality. According to the will of God I was to be at that and or this place of work for a particular reason that only God knows the reason why. Without my being aware, God permitted me to meet people who needed Him as much as I need Him myself. By means of the work setting I could share the Word of God and be of help to others without being aware, I realise that I am an instrument in the hand of God.


4.  The captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he waited on them; and they continued for some time in custody.

(Genesis chapter 40 verse 40)


It can be observed that although Joseph's status as a slave had improved, he still remained a humble person and waited in a spirit of humility on both the cup bearer and the baker. Humility is very important to us, especially when considering that as humans we tend to be egoistic and self-centred. Therefore when we practise humility we are conditioning our natural self, so that our new self-renewed in the Holy Spirit of God can take over and bring the much desired change in us.


5. One night they both dreamed-the cup bearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison-each his own dream, and each dream with its own meaning.

(Genesis chapter 40 verse 5)


Many dreams have been interpreted from a psychological point of view, however it is not the common practise to interpret if the dream has its roots from the mind of God, or whether it is the work of a healthy unconcsious, that is very active even when we are not aware of it.


From my own experience God uses dreams in order to reveal messages to us. My peak experience of God came by means of a dream during which God told me to leave all I had and follow Him. Although the message was clear, I was still baffled by the meaning of the message as how I was to implement the message of the dream as I have mentioned during the analysis of other chapters of the book of Genesis. During such moments it is very wise to refer to God and his ministers such as priests, or our own spiritual director in order to help discern if the dream is really from God, and if so, embark on the necessary action in order to respond adequately to the message of the dream.


6. When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were troubled. 7 So he asked Pharaoh's officers, who were with him in custody in his master's house, "Why are your faces down cast today?"

(Genesis chapter 40 verses 6 to 7)


Although we may not say one word our, faces always have a message to pass on to others. Without saying a word we can say a discussion about how we are feeling. Our faces reflect what we may be feeling inside, however in order to interpret this form of non verbal language we have to be observant and sensitive to others and their needs. Today I was feeling very sad at work. My colleagues tried to help me out of my sadness by enquiring what was wrong. Sadly enough I did not feel that I could share my feelings at the moment and I clammed up instead of opening up. However although I clammed up to humans, I am aware that I can open up with you my God. I am finding it hard to carry my cross. I drastically need your help in remaining focused on you, so that together we will reach the goal. By means of the cross you fulfilled my salvation, therefore by means of the cross you have given me with a particular purpose I know that You will help me reach the same goal. However this requires alot of sacrifice and the going against my human nature. Oh God I pray tonight that you give me the needed endurance, along with alot of peace of heart and mind. At times I feel so lonely that I think that this life is not worth living, however you are my strength and my sole aim and purpose for living. Thank you for listening to me and always loving me.


8. They said to him, "We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them." And Joseph said to them, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me."

(Genesis chapter 40 verse 8)


Joseph here makes a very important declaration. This is the fact that dreams and their interpretations come from God. God is the primary agent who places these dreams in our minds. There have been circumstances in life and in history, where new ideas, and or ideals or even inventions, had their inspiration from a dream. Moreover there is nothing that God cannot do, therefore if He wants to communicate with us personally by means of a dream or, maybe permit us to interpret the dream in a way that is an eye opener for others, so shall it be, for nothing is impossible for God.


God permitted Joseph to apply the skills of dream interpretation that he had acquired when he was still at home. Apparently God gave Joseph this skill beforehand in preparation for this particular moment. On reflecting we are to think on the fact that God gave us particular skill that fit our character and or personality type, in order to help others and even as a benefit for ourselves.


9. So the chief cup bearer told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, "In my dream there was a vine before me, 10 and on the vine there were three branches. As soon as it budded, its blossoms came out and the clusters ripened into grapes. 11 Pharaoh's cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand."

(Genesis chapter 40 verses 9 to 11)


On reflecting the cup bearer's dream has significance even for me. I feel that by means of this dream God is telling me, that the when the last three remaining years of the work contract of my occupation have expired, I will give them back to God as an offering and like the cup bearer as in the following verses, God will  either reinstate me to my former occupation or renew the current contract at C.V.A. Technology as a call agent.


 12. Then Joseph said to him, "This is its interpretation: the three branches are three days; 13 within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your office and you shall place Pharaoh's cup in his hand, just as you used to do when you were his cup bearer. 14 But remember me when it is well with you; please do me the kindness to make mention of me to the Pharaoh, and so get me out of this place. 15 For in fact I was stolen out of the land of the Hebrews; and here also I have done nothing that they have put me into the dungeon."

(Genesis chapter 40 verses 12 to 15)


According to Joseph's interpretation of the cup bearer's dream after three days, the latter was to be reinstated with his job, however in repayment to Joseph's good deed to him, the cup bearer was to speak good of Joseph in the presence of the Pharaoh so that Joseph would have justice done to him and in turn would be given back his freedom and the opportunity to be sent back home to his family.


When reflecting on verses 12 to 15 of the fortieth chapter of the book of Genesis, we can recollect on whether we compensated others who were helpful to us, by another good deed instead of stabbing them in the back when we did not need them anymore. If this is the case we have done a great injustice to others and we need to confess our sins. Another issue that we can reflect on is that of corruption. We can use the good deed negatively as a means of corrupting the other person. In English we have the expression, 'You scratch my back and I scratch yours', which can mean I will expose your involvement in this act and get you into serious trouble if you do not help me in getting what I desire.


16. When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was favourable, he said to Joseph, " I also had a dream; there were three cake baskets on my head, 17 and in the uppermost basket there were all sorts of baked food for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating it out of the basket on my head."

(Genesis chapter 40 verses 16 to 17)


On reflecting I can also come up with a personal interpretation of the baker's dream. The three baskets represent His first visit as God the baby human son of God, the second cake basket represents, second visit or manifestation after He rose from the dead after having been crucified for my sins and that of the world, and the third cake basket represents, the third and final visit as God the just, loving and merciful judge of the world at the end of time, when God will come and destroy sin and death and create a new perfect order for those who according to His judgement (which I hope I will pass the test) have lived a good life according to His ways or at least had the good intention to do so. The birds who were eating out of the basket represent the many chances and opportunities that God gives me to change my ways which at times go to waste due to my rejection for the ways of the world.


18. And Joseph answered, "This is its interpretation; the three baskets are three days; 19 within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head-from you! and hang you on a pole; and the birds will eat the flesh from you."

(Genesis chapter 40 verse 18 to 19)


The image of the cup bearer and the chief baker symbolises two types of people before the judgement throne of God. These are those who in God's eyes deserve heaven although maybe as humans we may perceive them as having committed many sins and do not deserve to inherit heaven and on the other hand three are those, who categorically decide to choose evil and permit it to become the central driving force of their lives.


20. On the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, he made a feast for all his servants, and lifted up the head of the chief cup bearer, and the head of the chief baker among his servants. 21 He restored the chief cup bearer to his cup bearing, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand; 27 but the chief baker he hanged, just as Joseph had interpreted to them. 23 Yet the chief cup bearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.

(Genesis chapter 40 verses 20 to 23)


I would like to end Chapter 40 of the book of Genesis with the following prayer:

Thank You Oh God my father for loving me so much, thank you for standing up for me when in the face of injustice. Thank you for always providing a peaceful solution to the problem. I am sorry on the other hand for not always being grateful to You. You deserve more love, worship and and praise, because you give us alot but receive the bare minimum in return. Thank You for paying the price of my redemption by permitting that you only son be crucified to atone for my sins

Thank You God  

   

Genesis Chapter 39

GENESIS

 CHAPTER

 39

1. Now Joseph was taken down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there.

(Genesis chapter 39 verse 1)

After being deceived by his brothers Jacob was taken to Egypt were he was sold to an officer of the pharaoh. During such critical moments when we are suffering any form of injustice we are not to place ourselves in a circle of negativity by focusing on the person or on the negative act itself. The consequence of such a negative attitude is that when being in such a state we open ourselves to the Devil who uses our emotions in order to compel us to do even more sinful acts that may end up harming both ourselves and even significant others. Therefore during such moments, we are to turn to God in a spirit of humble prayer and pray that we are given His light to guide us out of the paths of darkness we end up in or to give us the correct skills attitude, motivation and positive spirit of love and faith in order to cope with the given situation. 

2. The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man; he was in the house of his Egyptian master.

(Genesis chapter 39 verse 2)

After being sold to the officer of the pharaoh God was still taking care of Joseph. This is reflected by the fact that Joseph was successful in all that was asked of him by his Egyptian master. For some reason God permitted Joseph to achieve this end that resulted in his growing in prestige in the eyes of his master.

God helps us not only during our good times but also during our bad times. He has promised us that He will be our God and loving father forever. God loves us so much that He never breaks his promises and is always faithful to us. God has the power to change a negative situation into positive one on our behalf, so we are to rest assured that He permits anything to happen for our own good. Like and more than any loving father, God has our greatest interest as his main concern, so long as our wishes intentions or interests do not cause harm to those of others. As in the case of Joseph God changed Joseph's negative situation that of being sold as a slave to the Egyptian officer, to a positive one meaning that of success  in his master house.

3. His master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD caused all that he did to prosper in his hands.

(Genesis chapter 39)

God made his presence felt in the person of Joseph who was the result of prosperity in his master's house. God gave Joseph all the necessary skills in order for him to achieve more status of popularity which was to be an asset for him in the future. He starts preparing the way for our liberation from our selves and from our sins and sinful situations by adopting a stagiest approach, that sequentially unfolds in our life, one stage after another, however if we spoil God's plan by means of our own intervention (which God permits us to do without inhibiting even our sinful efforts and attempts) this process may take longer than planned to unfold, or it may even not unfold at all.  During such moments of stress, God did not permit Joseph's faith in him to be destroyed. On the contrary by means of the circumstances that God permitted to take place Joseph grew in both faith character and personality.  As in the case of Joseph God is always with us. He permits us to experience stressful situations in order to continue the process of our formation and to confirm if we are still faithful in our commitment to him.

4. So Joseph found favour in his sight and attended him; he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had.  5. From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the LORD blessed the Egyptians house for Joseph's sake; the blessing of the LORD was on all that he had, in house and field.

(Genesis chapter 39 verses 4 to 5)

As a consequence of God's presence with Joseph, he achieved a further increase of power and authority over his master's property so much that he became a leader or manager in the premises. God's presence was so strong that all who lived in the household benefited from the grace of God in one way or another. As children of God treats us equally in love and graces and does, not make positive and or negative discrimination amongst his sheep, even though they may be of different, nationality, cast culture, creed and values. Even though we constantly sin and go against His will God is always there ready to welcome back home, like a loving father who loves his children with an everlasting love, that can never come to an end or be exhausted. 

6. So he left all that he had in Joseph's charge; and, with him there, he had no concern for anything but the food that he ate. Now Joseph was handsome and good-looking.

(Genesis chapter 39 verse 6)

The Egyptian officer had  completely trusted Joseph who was a stranger to him. Moreover he had put him in charge of everything that he had and did not care, for anything except the food he ate. As humans we may at times not find it difficult to place our trust in fellow humans. However for some reason when it comes to placing our trust in God in whom we can totally trust, we tend to hesitate and have second thoughts.

7. And after a time his master's wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, "Lie with me."

(Genesis chapter 39 verse 7)

In order for God's purpose to unfold God gifted Joseph with not only intelligence but also with good looks. However this particular quality was not given to Joseph for his own pleasure and satisfaction but in order to be an aid so that the process of the plan of our salvation could continue to unfold. If Joseph's stay at the household of his master, continued without any problems, God's plan would have experienced a terrible end, therefore there was a need for Joseph to move on, even if this meant that Joseph was to experience more trials and tribulation. As found in verse 7 of the 39th chapter of the book of Genesis, the change in circumstances was brought about by means of the wife of Joseph's own master, who had placed his whole trust in Joseph. 

As already mentioned God gave very good looks, so much that his master' wife was attracted to him. Her intentions were that of encouraging Joseph to have intercourse with her. She was aware that if the deception was discovered she had the upper hand due to her marital status, meaning that of her being the wife of the Egyptian master. On the other hand Joseph was still basically a foreign slave even though he had grown in both power and prestige. At times people of power tend to abuse of the power entrusted to them as in the given scenario. Appearances are deceptive. As humans we are prone to being misled by appearances. Since the time of our beginning in the garden of Eden, we have not stopped being tempted by this psychological means.  We have a tendency to judge each other from the outside, as is found in the saying 'never judge a book by its cover, meaning on the bases of appearances and not on a bases of relationship. In contrast to humans God never judges us by our looks but by our innocence, love and faith in Him even though at times these are questionable and unpredictable. 

8. But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Look, with me here, my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my hand. 9. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except yourself, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?"

(Genesis chapter 39 verses 8 to 9)

Even though the temptation was strong and attractive, Joseph refused the offer, saying that her husband had trusted him by giving him full authority over the household and therefore in turn Joseph was not to repay acts of trust and kindness by committing the mentioned  act of wickedness and sin against both God  and his master by sleeping with his master's wife. 

As sons and daughters of God he has placed his thrust in us. Everyday He shows us how much he loves us. However as humans we break our commitment of trust with God by accepting the temptations of the Devil. However as in the case of Joseph, we are to be aware of our selves, our strengths and weaknesses and help us to take the necessary positive action at the given time temptation. In time as we grow in self knowledge we become accustomed with our strengths and weaknesses and become more skilled in dealing with them if we are determined to stop falling in the same temptations. On seeing our motivation, God is sure to help us by enriching us with the power of his grace and mercy. 

10. And although she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not consent to lie beside her or to be with her.

(Genesis chapter 39 verse 10)

Even though Jacob declined the offer of his master's wife, she kept on tempting him day after day, however each time Joseph would refuse her offer.  Even though  we decline the temptations of the Devil he always continues to tempt us again and again until we can bear it no longer and we end up ceasing to resist the Devil's request. However if we have a strong relationship with God He will give us the needed strength in order to cope and master the temptations of our adversary. 

11. One day, however, when he went into the house to do his work, and while no one else was in the house, 12 she caught hold of his garment, saying, "Lie with me!" But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside.

(Genesis chapter 39 verses 11 to 12)

When there was no one else in his master's house apart from his master's wife, Joseph went for work as he usually did. However his master's wife cunningly caught hold of Joseph's garments and ordered him to lie with her. However Joseph fled away thus resisting temptation. As a consequence he left his garments in the hands of his master's wife who, had had a strong grip on them, with the intention of undressing him so that he could lie in bed with her.

13. When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled outside, 14 she called out to the members of her household and said to them, "See, my husband has brought among us a Hebrew to insult us! He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice; 15 and when he heard me raise my voice and cry out, he left his garment beside me, and fled outside."

(Genesis chapter 39 verses 13 to 15)

When the woman realised that Joseph had ran away and left his garments, she maliciously called all other members of the household and told them that her husband had brought a Hebrew to live amongst them in order to insult them by trying to sleep with her. While still holding what might be easily considered as being the evidence that would easily incriminate Joseph as being the guilty party she, added fuel to the flame by adding that when she had shouted Joseph had, ran away leaving his garments behind him.

When the devil realises that it is of no use to try and convince a good and God fearing person such as Joseph in order to sin against God, the Devil tries to take revenge by means of other means in order to make the good person's live miserable. 

16. Then she kept his garment by her until his master came home, 17 and she told him the same story, saying, "The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought among us, came in to me to insult me; 18 but as soon as I raised my voice and cried out, he left his garment beside me, and fled outside."

(Genesis chapter 39 verses 16 to 18)

The deceitful lady kept Joseph's garments as a evidence in order, to show to her husband and to convince him that her twisted version of what had actually taken place was true. On reflecting even though we may try to deceive other people, we can never deceive God. He knows everything and anything and it is impossible for us, to hide anything from Him. The author of this chapter Mr. Deevain Ajit Pawar strongly stresses that all though as humans we all lie in some way or other to each other, no matter how much lies we say or how many people we deceive, we can never deceive God for he is always watching us all time.

19. When his master heard the words that his wife spoke to him, saying, "This is the way your servant treated me," he became enraged. 20 And Joseph's master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined; he remained there in prison.   

(Genesis chapter 39 verses 19 to 20)

                 

       

Upon hearing his wife's accusation, Joseph's master, without stopping to consider if he was hearing the truth or not, became so enraged. He could not believe how a person whom he totally trusted could have betrayed his trust and committed such an  immoral sin.

Today as also in the past, the world's judgement is simply based on scientific theory based on evidence and proof that is interpreted accepted or refuted by means of scientific and logical enquiry. At times these tools when applied on such criteria at times can result in leading to fallacious judgement. The author of this chapter refers to a circumstance when a persons commits a crime but someone else who is rich and powerful may influence the judicial system by incriminating or framing somebody else who is condemned for a crime that he did not commit, while the guilty person  is set free. Therefore in such cases such judgements are wrong. On the other hand the judgement given by God is always absolutely correct because God  is omnipresent thus having the faculty of knowing everything that is going on in the world, and therefore it is practically  impossible to hide anything from Him. God is aware of the magnitude of our sin and has the means of passing judgement on us that is totally just and meritorious in relation to the sins that we may have committed. 

21. But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love; he gave him favour in the sight of the chief jailer.

(Genesis chapter 39 verse 21)

Although Joseph's condition seems to have become pathetic, due to the fact that, he was now locked in prison by his master, God had not given up on him, for He knew that Joseph was innocent. Therefore God blessed Joseph by giving him favour in sight of the chief jailer. God is able to bring good out of evil in order to help us in our moments of trials and tribulations. Therefore we all should trust God and stick up for what is right no matter what the consequences may be. If we side with God's truth and justice there is no force in world that can stop Him from protecting us. As in the case of Joseph he may have aware of the consequences that awaited him if he refused to sleep with his master's wife, however Joseph stood up for the truth and did not disobey God by going against His will.

22. The chief jailer committed to Joseph's care all the prisoners who were in the prison, and whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. 23 The chief jailer paid no heed to anything that was in Joseph's care, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.

(Genesis chapter 39 verses 22 to 23)

It can be noted that God never stops blessing and protecting us from the forces of darkness and evil, both within us and beyond. God is always there for us and his love and understanding is far greater than any love given to us or promised to us by humans. Even during critical situations such as that of Joseph God, never stops working. God's plan for our salvation was continually unfolding, as it is still going on today. God in 2014 is already preparing the world for his second and final visit during which his loving and just judgement will finally take place and the forces of evil including death will be destroyed forever.

  

The author of this chapter chose to end this chapter with the following prayer:

                                                                                      

God you have been there for me throughout my good times as well as the bad times. You have not only helped me, but you have also given me the strength to endure and fight the temptations of the devil.  You have never let anyone shatter my faith in you. Thank you God for blessing and looking after me, my family and my loved ones of my external circles. Thank you God for your love and blessings, they are irreplaceable.

Thank You God