E-pistle for July 10, 2009
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E-pistle
Dr. Dan Hite, President FreeWay Foundation July 10, 2009
Fat Cows and Skinny Cows
(Genesis 41:1-57)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the main events in this chapter
1. Pharaoh had two dreams: of seven fat and seven skinny cows, and of
seven plump heads of grain and seven thin heads, vv. 1-7, 17-24.
2. None of Pharaoh's astrologers or wise men could interpret his dreams.
3. Finally, the chief butler remembered Joseph and recommended him
to the Pharaoh, vv. 9-13.
4. Joseph was summoned from the dungeon and cleaned up; he gave God
the glory for interpreting dreams; he told Pharaoh what his two dreams
meant, vv. 14-16, 25-32.
II. Meditation: on Joseph's God-given interpretation
1. Both dreams are pictures of the same coming events, vv. 25-26.
2. There will be seven years of great, plentiful harvest in Egypt, v. 29.
3. These "fat" years will be followed by seven "lean" years of severe
famine, vv. 27, 30-31.
4. "The dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is
established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass," v. 32.
III. Revelation: on how God works to accomplish His purpose
1. First, God shows one of His servants what He is about to do (Amos 3:7) . . .
here Joseph passed God's word along to Pharaoh, v. 28.
2. Next, God looks for a spiritually discerning person to appoint over his
work, v. 33; then God gives His chosen leader specific plans to accomplish
His divine purpose, vv. 34-37.
3. God anoints His chosen leader with the Holy Spirit, empowering him for
service and exhibiting God's presence in his life, v. 38.
4. God gives His chosen, anointed leader the authority necessary to accomplish
every duty and responsibility He assigns; here Pharaoh gave Joseph
virtually total authority in Egypt, signified by his signet ring, royal garments,
gold chain, and a chariot of honor, v. 39-44.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Wait patiently, through adversity, knowing that the Lord has a destiny and
purpose for me to fulfill during my life on earth.
2. Faithfully carry out the details of the plan which God has revealed to me,
vv. 44, 47-49, 53-54.
3. Receive with thanksgiving the manifold blessings from the Lord, including
my children. Joseph's sons were named Manasseh (Forgetful) . . . God made
Joseph forget his troubles, and Ephraim (Fruitful) . . . God made him
fruitful in Egypt, v. 50-52. (See also Genesis 48:20)
4. Observe with reverence and praise the life-preserving deliverance that
Almighty God brings about through my humble service, vv. 53-57.
Joseph's Brothers Journey to Egypt
(Genesis 42:1-38)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the main events in this chapter
1. Because of the famine, Jacob sent his ten oldest sons to Egypt to
buy grain, vv. 1-5.
2. Joseph, the governor of Egypt, recognized them (although they did
not recognize him); he accused them of being spies and threw them
into prison for three days, vv. 6-17.
3. Joseph agreed to sell them grain, but kept Simeon as a hostage until
the brothers returned from Canaan with their youngest brother,
Benjamin, vv. 18-24.
4. The nine brothers returned to their father, Jacob, with the sacks of
grain which also contained the money that Joseph had secretly restored
to them, vv. 25-35.
II. Meditation: on Joseph's dealings with his brothers
1. Joseph's brothers bowed down before him, fulfilling his first dream, v. 6;
Genesis 37:5-7.
2. Joseph tasted their hearts to see if they valued the life of one brother over
the benefits they could gain by betrayal. Would they abandon the hostage,
Simeon, or return to Egypt with Benjamin?
3. The brothers connected Joseph's harsh treatment with their selling their
brother into slavery . . . their consciences began to disturb them, and
their discussion was overheard and understood by Joseph.
4. Joseph tested their honesty and integrity by secretly returning the money
they paid for the grain . . . the brothers also connected this event with
the punishment of God for their earlier cruelty and greed.
III. Revelation: on God's master plan for His chosen people
1. The land of Canaan was promised to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and 12 sons.
2. God sent Joseph to Egypt to save his people when the famine came.
3. Eventually Jacob's entire family moved to Egypt, where they lived 400
years, first as honored guests, later as slaves.
4. During these four centuries, the Hebrews multiplied from about 70 persons
to about two million at the Exodus . . . they had grown from a small
family into a nation of people who, through God's help, could conquer
and occupy the Promised Land.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to know that . . .
1. God understands my extreme grief and sorrow over the loss of a loved one,
vv. 36-38, and that He provides comfort and peace.
2. The Lord always fulfills His promises . . . the dreams of destiny He gives.
3. God provides a Savior to deliver His chosen people.
4. God uses adverse circumstances to test my heart, to prick my conscience,
and to evaluate my faithfulness and integrity.
You may forget with whom you laughed, but you will never forget with
whom you wept.
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