He was thirty years old when he began serving in the court of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. And when Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence, he inspected the entire land of Egypt. [Genesis 41.46]
This what happened after Joseph was exalted to #2 man in Egypt.
But, check this out... Look at what happened that eventually caused Joseph's greatest grief:
“Go and see how your brothers and the flocks are getting along,” Jacob said. “Then come back and bring me a report.” So Jacob sent him on his way, and Joseph traveled to Shechem from their home in the valley of Hebron. [Genesis 37.14]
In both scripture references here, Joseph is interpreting dreams and then going out and "checking things out." His first recorded "checking things out" got him sold into slavery. His second recorded "checking things out" was the result of his being not only freed, but made second in command of all Egypt. Is that ironic, or what?
The very thing that got Joseph in trouble with his family early in life was the very thing that would become his greatest thing as Pharaoh's right-hand man.
What does this mean?
Well, for starters, it could possibly mean that just become something gets a person into trouble, does not mean it is not a strength in that person's life. I am not talking about something illegal or immoral, but something that is a character trait - personality type, etc. Actually we see this all the time.
A person who is a manipulator can be a good example. Manipulation can be a dreadful trait found in a person. However, manipulation, in a very controlled environment, can be a strong and desirable trait in a person employed to convince others of a good thing. Unfortunately, we see more abuse of manipulation than constructive use of it, but, some areas where manipulation can be good are sales, politics, and religious leaders. But again, abuse of manipulation in these areas yields ugly results (think of the "used-car salesman" stigma, or the greedy politician, or the self-exalting religious leader).
So, Joseph, the dreamer, also had a trait recognized by his father of "overseeing" what was going on. Who knew these traits that irritated everyone early in Joseph's life would literally save their lives in years to come? It is something to think about.
The point here is to continually let God be in control of whatever traits are found in our lives and the lives of those around us. In immaturity, Joseph's "explanation" of dreams still had meaning, but they were ill-communicated. In maturity, Joseph's "interpretation" of dreams had meaning that was communicated in the right timing and setting. Note Joseph's claims about his ability to interpret dreams as a more mature man:
And they replied, “We both had dreams last night, but no one can tell us what they mean.” “Interpreting dreams is God’s business,” Joseph replied. “Go ahead and tell me your dreams.” [Genesis 40.8]
And then:
“It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.” [Genesis 41.16]
What matures a person? Life. And, sometimes, hardships... maybe even hardships caused by the very thing that is our God-given strength!
Father, help us all to survey our lives in light of Your Kingdom purpose for us. Help us to be patient with the development of our strengths - possibly even those traits that give us the most trouble early in life and our walk with You...
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