This is part of a video series covering the entire Bible in 4 years, one chapter at a time. Start at the beginning with Genesis 1 (Youtube link: https://youtu.be/wC2qD4RGOdo) and work through the playlist. Or go to https://www.peace.org.au/bible.html for more information.
In this video listen to Genesis 40 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.
In Genesis 40 we start to see dreams and their interpretation figure in the Bible. A theological statement is made by Joseph when he says ‘Don’t interpretations belong to God?’ Finally someone here has their thinking straight.
Previously of course his father Jacob experienced God at Bethel in a dream, and prior to that Abraham had dreams in which God spoke to him. So God had frequently spoken through dreams, and Joseph is clued up.
When he understands what the dreams mean, which is a gift of the spirit, he has to take great courage in telling the baker he has only three days to live. But if he was uncertain about the meaning that would have been a dumb thing to do, so he was clearlry certain it was from God.
In the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 12 we are told of the gifts of the Spirit, and there are nine listed. Dream interpretation is not among them, but clearly requires the work of the Spirit, so the gifts are not nine, but more. As a believer, you should with wisdom, seek other gifts like Joseph did.
Finally, we realise that Josephe must surely have remembered his own dreams as a younger person. He knew that God was taking him somewhere, and he trusted the Lord. Now we know why Joseph served with a whole heart. Not only was God with him, but he saw a bigger picture and he trusted as Abraham did for so long when it looked impossible.
Feb 10, 2021 | Message by David Alley