Genesis 41:1-13
Part 1: The Pain of the Peaceless
The Walls That Couldn’t Bring Peace
Belfast, Northern Ireland, is home to what are ironically called “Peace Walls.” Originally built in the 1920s and significantly expanded from 1969 onward, these barriers were meant to separate warring communities. Yet, rather than preventing violence, many of the Troubles’ deaths—67%—occurred within 500 yards of these walls. The longest wall stretched three miles and loomed up to 26 feet high, often with fortified police stations nearby. Despite their imposing presence, true peace remained elusive.
This historical reality reflects a deeper truth: peace cannot be manufactured through external means alone. Pharaoh, though one of the most powerful rulers in history, discovered this the hard way.
– Pharaoh’s Distress
Two years passed since Joseph had given hope to the imprisoned butler. Meanwhile, Pharaoh, shaken by troubling dreams, found himself desperate for answers. Though surrounded by wealth, power, and the most educated men in his kingdom, he had no peace. His advisors—highly trained in Egypt’s wisdom—were powerless to interpret his dreams.
– Pharaoh’s Dilemma
Egypt’s wisest men had failed him. Egypt’s gods had failed him. His only hope lay in the counsel of his butler. The butler who had two-years-ago been helped by Joseph finally remembers him. The butler recommends the pharaoh send to the prison for an unknown Hebrew.
Could Pharaoh trust this Joseph? How would it look for the man in the greatest office in the land to call on one of the lowest?
– Pharaoh’s Desperation
Pharoah’s distress overwhelmed his dilemma and he sent for Joseph. When a man has no peace he will be willing to do anything to get it.
Pharoah had lost his peace for a short time, but most likely he had never known true, lasting peace.
In contrast, Joseph had suffered over thirteen years of hardship—betrayed by his brothers, enslaved, falsely accused, and imprisoned—yet remained at peace. Why? He knew the God of all peace.
Joseph woke up one day with no idea that by the end of the day he would find himself as the second in command of the nation. Moses had his encounter with God in the burning bush. Samuel anointed David. Both men knew something was happening. Joseph, he was just waiting… waiting… waiting. But Joseph had learned what we must. When we are waiting God is still working.
Application: Prioritizing Peace
Without God, the greatest riches and authority bring no rest. Yet, for those who trust in Him, peace exists even in suffering. The lesson for us: do not mistake waiting for God’s action as inaction. He is always working. Just as Joseph remained faithful in trials, we too must trust that our trials are not wasted but are shaping us for His greater purpose.
“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” – Job 23:10
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