Having just read Genesis 41, our scripture for this week, I recalled an incident from my wife, Valere’s, autobiography, My First Eighty, in which she wrote: Having kept a dream journal for many years, Larry and I frequently discussed our dreams. In September I had the same dream several times: I was standing in front of a very complicated, very sophisticated machine. It seemed to apply or be measuring something from my waist up.

She particularly remembered two knobs protruding from the machine. A few weeks later, during her annual checkup, she felt impelled to persuade the doctor to give her a mammogram. Three days later she was informed that the test indicated “a troublesome spot.” Eventually, it was diagnosed as breast cancer.

Because lumpectomy and breast irradiation were not available at that time, we chose for her to go to the Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia. Arriving for radiation on the first day, she immediately recognized the machine of her dreams – and its two knobs! This, we realized, was a gift of hope from God.

Most people, we found, are dismissive of any importance to their dreams. But dreams are very important in the Bible. In Genesis 20:1-7: “God came to Abimelech in a dream by night” and revealed to him that Sarah was Abraham’s wife, not his sister. Jacob received a revelation from God through a dream  (Genesis 28:10-17). While toiling for his uncle Laban (Gen. 31:11-13) God speaks in a dream to Jacob again through an angel.

Gideon is influenced by a man who told of his dreams (Judges 13:7-15). It was in a dream that God commended Solomon (1 Kings 5-15). Dreams are prominent in the books of Jeremiah and Daniel and Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary, was instructed by God in a series of dreams (Matthew 1:20, 2:12,13,19,22).

Genesis 41 begins with the Pharaoh’s dream of standing by the Nile while various cows emerge from the river. In fact, he had a dream about the Nile and cows on two different occasions. Theodore Hiebert, professor of Old Testament at McCormick Theological Seminary, tells us, “While a single might be doubted, two dreams about the same event were regarded as confirmation of a reliable communication from God.”

So, we can understand why the Pharaoh was anxious to get a wise interpretation. But none of the wise men of Egypt were able to interpret the dream. The Pharaoh would have to seek guidance from some other source.

We’ve read this story so often that we may tend to overlook just how amazing are the events that followed. The chief cupbearer to the Pharaoh, out of fright, guilt or both, blurts out: “I remember my faults today” (41:9). His exclamation is so artless, so revealing.

Joseph had been so helpful to the chief butler and had said to him: “But remember me when it is well with you, and do me the kindness, I pray you, to make mention of me to the Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house” (40:14). But that is exactly what he did: He forgot the man who had saved his life and his position.

Genesis is making a stark contrast between the Egyptians and this Hebrew slave. The Egyptians were by far the most advanced people of their day and they were proud of their civilization. They had the prestige, but he had the power of God working in him. No one in all Egypt could interpret the king’s dreams, but this Hebrew slave could and did.

In many societies the king would have refused to consult an immigrant slave or place any trust in his interpretation. But the Pharaoh of Egypt rose above his own and his peoples’ distrust and prejudice. He needed help, and this man could give it to him. For this Hebrew slave had what all others in his kingdom did not: God-given wisdom and powers.

It takes a great leader to seek and take help wherever he must. He knew the future of Egypt was dependent upon Joseph and his God-given gifts.

The Pharaoh also realized God Himself steps across lines to accomplish His purposes. To save His people, the Hebrews, from the famine that was coming to the whole Middle East, He needed two things: a faithful man of intelligence and character to be his instrument, and a nation, Egypt, willing to humble themselves and follow a former slave and outsider.

Joseph was the man, the Pharaoh was the one in position to recognize his powers and Joseph who was willing to hear and do what God commanded. Often the greatest good for the greatest number happens when people are willing to step across human lines and follow where God leads.

Joseph made certain the Pharaoh would know the interpretation of his dreams came not from Joseph himself, but God: “It is not I; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” And after Pharaoh recounts his dream, Joseph says: “Pharaoh’s dreams are one and the same; God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do” (41:25).

Thus God has blessed Joseph, “the one with the spirit,” the Pharaoh, the people of Egypt and, eventually, Joseph’s own people. God often steps across the lines we humans draw and accomplishes great things when we are willing to follow Him.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Rev. Althouse may write to him in care of this publication.