As we begin this week, Joseph is in prison, sold by his brothers, falsely accused by Potiphar, and forgotten by the king’s cupbearer. We don’t yet know how much time has passed, but he was in Potiphar’s house at least long enough to be promoted to chief steward, then in prison long enough to become an overseer of the inmates. Now, it’s two more years until his next opportunity arises. Dwell on this: Joseph has spent over a decade with no idea whether his story would ever be redeemed.

But in chapter 41, the story once again turns on a series of two dreams. The key actor in this sequence is Pharaoh. The leader of the Egyptian world is so troubled by these dreams, and so convinced that they mean something ominous, that he is willing to take help from anyone – even an imprisoned foreign slave.

So Joseph is called to Pharaoh’s court, the culmination of all we’ve hoped for, and the singular moment in Joseph’s life. God has prepared him for this with tribulation and heartbreak, but also with moments where Joseph could see that God had worked through him. He has every reason to resent, but also reasons to hope. And one response will step forward here.

There is a two-part climax to their exchange. Listen to how Joseph credits his interpretation, and then goes for broke when he realizes he has Pharaoh’s ear. If you’re reading, take a break at the end of Joseph’s speech, and dwell in that eternal moment before Pharaoh responds – Joseph closer to life, and to death, than he’s ever been before. Also, think about what Joseph says about the meaning of having two dreams – and the hope that might be renewed about his own dreams, from long ago.

Our verse for this week is Hebrews 11:8: By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Genesis 41 and 42. Now let’s read it!