The Planning Deportment

Genesis 41:9-45

The one who had been forgotten (40:23) is now remembered. Joseph proceeds to announce to the Egyptian ruler that the future is out of that ruler's hands. The future is not derived from the present, nor from the careful planning and control of the powerful.

We meet here a major theme of biblical faith: the power and will of God to bring newness in the midst of otherwise powerful human convention and control. The dream this all started with (Genesis 37:5-9) is now starting to kick in.

But wait, there is an important role for human planning! Joseph is not only the interpreter of dreams. He is prepared with an action plan. There is no hint that he is putting himself forward to do this. The truth is, however, that not only does the plan call for one with the characteristics indicated (verse 33), but for a whole new agenda with a new spirit indicated by those personal characteristics, attuned to the sovereignty of God.

What I find especially fascinating here is that the choice of one to implement God’s plan is given to the head of the imperial power, whose agenda is being overruled! Then follows implementation, and the enthronement of the one designated in the dream of (chapter 37) to rule.

Prayer:
Lord, we acknowledge that your work must be done well and to our utmost, and with careful planning – but only after we have spent much time in prayer and immersion in your Word and more prayer and more immersion in your Word, more prayer with fasting; and when we think we’ve done enough of that prod us to do more – whether it’s for personal vision or as the Body of Christ together. Then let us proceed according to the discernment and wisdom Joseph described – as we pray some more. Through Jesus. Amen.