Genesis 41 and Acts 19

Pharaoh had 2 disturbing dreams in Genesis 41, and none of his magicians or wise men could interpret them. The chief cupbearer knows a guy, and Pharaoh sends for Joseph.

Pharaoh tells Jacob, I heard you can interpret dreams. Jacob, in verse 16, says, “It’s beyond my power to do this, but God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.” I love this and need to remember it in my daily walk of faith. I can’t do it, but hey, I know a guy who can do anything; his name is Jesus.

Then, in Acts 19, Paul preaches boldly in Ephesus. We learn that God gave him power to perform all sorts of wild miracles, when objects touched his skin, people were healed of diseases, and evil spirits were sent packing.

Then a group of Jews, the seven sons of Sceva, and a leading priest were traveling around casting out evil spirits. They had a formula: they would say, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out. Well, that didn’t work; the evil spirit overpowered, beat them up, stripped them naked, and sent them packing.”

They knew of Christ, but they didn’t know Christ.

Joseph didn’t tell Pharaoh, “Sure, let me interpret those dreams for you.” No, he said, I can’t do it. God, can I interpret those dreams and ease your mind? Joseph knew God. Paul knew God. They were in a relationship with the almighty. And God was working through them. This is still true today, as we get to know God more every day, he will work through us.