READING: Genesis 41-42, Matthew 12:1-23
“I am not able to,” Joseph answered Pharaoh. Genesis 41:16
I may be a minister of the gospel, but I still struggle with ego. It’s strange, actually, how much ministers wrestle with this issue. Here’s why: we’re called to do the things of God, and we want God to do mighty things through us. If He does, we rejoice – but it’s a very, very fine line between wanting God to use us and wanting others to know God is using us. The line between expectant humility and ungodly pride is thin indeed, especially in an evangelical world that has its share of “heroes” and “superstars.” It’s easier to talk about giving God the glory than it is to actually deflect the glory to Him.
I don’t know if Joseph dealt with such issues, but the text shows us his response when Pharaoh sought him to interpret his dream. Joseph had previously interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker, and the cupbearer now remembered him years later. Pharaoh had thus heard about Joseph’s abilities – “But I have heard it said about you that you can hear a dream and interpret it” (Gen. 41:15) – so he sent for Joseph to come to him. The ruler sent for the prisoner, invited him into his presence, and asked him to use his gift to interpret the dream. Frankly, there’s enough ego in me that I would have been tempted to be proud of this ability had I been in Joseph’s shoes.
Joseph knew, though, that he had no such ability apart from God: “I am not able to,” Joseph answered Pharaoh. “It is God who will give Pharaoh a favorable answer” (Gen. 41:16). Joseph already understood that interpretations belong to God (Gen. 40:8), and It was He, and He alone, who would give Pharaoh the correct answer. Joseph was given the unique ability to interpret the dream, but he was still only God’s spokesperson, the vessel through whom God would give His message.
I need this reminder today. My calling is to proclaim God’s Word through spoken and written means. My prayer is that God would use me to spread His Word to my neighbors and the nations so they might know how mighty and loving He is. To accomplish that task, I must pray, study, and work hard. In the end, however, I’m only a spokesman. In fact, I can’t do what God has called me to do.
ACTION STEPS:
- Consider whether you sometimes want glory for your willingness to serve God. Be honest with your assessment.
- Ask God to use you mightily, but keep you humble in the process.
PRAYER: “Father, remind me today that I can’t do anything You’ve called me to do. You alone do it.”
TOMORROW'S READING: Genesis 43-45, Matthew 12:24-50
