120124 - Genesis 40-41 - God saves the world through an advance message and a man of sorrows

Tuesday SOAP: God saved the world from an upcoming famine by placing His servant Joseph within reach of Pharoah. Does God give insight to leaders of today about what He is about to do? It's there for us and for them, if we'll but seek it. (Amos 3:7)

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(Why "SOAP?" See http://www.enewhope.org/firststeps/journaling)
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S: And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do. (Genesis 41:25).

O: This reminds me of the dreams given to Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel's Babylon. Neither Nebuchadnezzar nor Pharoah were specifically seeking the Lord's guidance. Yet God gave them guidance, albeit guidance requiring an interpreter.

A: In both cases God provided wise counsel for these rulers of world empires. Daniel even survived to give witness to the son and grandson of Nebuchadnezzar and even the conquering Medes and Persians. It's reported that Cyrus was shown the scroll of Isaiah which predicted his coming a hundred years before he was born, calling him by name. What might God be doing for world leaders even in our day? Does He send dreams to them? Are counsellors placed by Him to provide interpretation? Pharoah's dream proved to be the salvation of the world and the means of purchase of all Egypt, a type of the world, because he instantly saw the wisdom of Daniel's advice. But Nebuchadnezzar ignored the advice and consequently spent seven years living like an animal.

Our prayers for kings and those in authority, (1 Tim. 2:1-4), then, should first of all be that they would be saved, as is His wish for all men (1 Tim. 2:4), that He would give them guidance, surround them with counsellors who understand that guidance, and soften their hearts to listen to godly counsel. Above all, that they would be students of His already-revealed plans in His Word.

P: Lord, your Word and your direction to us through it gives us confidence that you are at work in the world and that you are not without means to change the direction of the basest of rulers. From oppressive regimes in North Africa, the Middle East and Asia to the executive offices in Europe and the United States, I pray that you will turn hearts in order to save more souls while there is time.

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