Genesis 41:44 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt.”
I would love to know what Joseph is thinking during today’s verses. Is there still simmering anger at his brothers? Triumph that they wanted to ruin him but look at him now? Concern that he has such a big job ahead of him? Mathematical formulas to try to figure out grain rations or storage for seven years?
Genesis 41:45 Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt.
But here’s the thing: What Joseph is thinking is between him and God. No one else. If I were there, I might be able to tell what it looked like he was thinking. I could probably ascribe emotions based on what I saw him saying and doing, but only God knows our hearts.
Genesis 41:46-47 Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout Egypt. During the seven years of abundance the land produced plentifully.
Precious Savior, It is so easy to assume what people are thinking and feeling based on what I see, hear, and know. Forgive me when I pass judgment. You are the only one who truly knows my thoughts and feelings, and my heart is yours alone. Help me to give others the grace and compassion You give me. Always. Amen.
Genesis 41:48 Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and stored it in the cities. In each city he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it.
Have a blessed day.