An Answer of Peace

After Joseph settled in in Egypt, he became very successful in prospering his first boss,the captain of the guard. Joseph managed his household until the captain's wife put him in a bad position by lying and Joseph was thrown into prison. While he was there, two cell mates joined him. These men had some strange dreams that perplexed them and God gave Joseph the explanations of the visions. One of men became Joseph's 'get out of jail free' card and brought Joseph before Pharaoh who also had some dreams that troubled him. Pharaoh asked Joseph to interpret his two-part dream. Joseph's response was electrifying:

And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. Genesis 41:16

Joseph was able to give Pharaoh the answer he needed. The answer would have far-reaching effects on not only Egypt, but on Joseph's family and Israel as well. Joseph fully acknowledged the role of God in giving him the understanding of the visions.  God is the only one that can give supernatural revelation.  It is up to God to reveal the meaning for His own purpose. When a man or woman is given revelation to speak what God wants spoken, there is always a very good reason for the revelation and it is solution-orientated. God's gift in operation is an infusion of love in a challenging world. This is not about a gray bearded man standing on a street corner yelling 'sinners repent' at all the passer-bys.

And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Genesis 41:32-33

The vision was doubled and God had Joseph explain that when a vision is doubled, it is established and will happen soon. God is 'the master' of communication. We can apply this same principle when we hear from God. God gave Pharaoh a picture from two different angles just to establish it for him. Pharaoh accepted God's love and he got an 'answer of peace'. God is eager to help!

Today we have all the tools for our own quest for an 'answer of peace' in all situations. God wants us to have peace. We are human so that it can be challenging to believe. We absolutely need God's assurance daily. How many times have you presented a challenging situation to God and then just happen to be reading in a certain section of the Bible and the answer just pops up in your reading. Or how about the times you have wondered about something and then you meet up with someone that says the right thing at the right time and you know it is from God. It might come from a little child, a friend, family member or a complete stranger (like a stewardess on an airplane).

Pharoah indeed took heed to what Joseph spoke and his respect for Joseph was very clear. 

And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? Genesis 41:38

Every person who acknowledges God's resurrection of Jesus Christ and accepts God's provision of Jesus Christ as our lord has the spirit of God resident within. We also have the magnificent instruction manual to operate it and we have God's genuine, eager love.  Yes, life is messy, but we can always have an answer of peace!