Discerning the Wisest

Scripture: As they discussed who should be appointed for the job, Pharaoh said, "Who could do it better than Joseph? For he is a man who is obviously filled with the Spirit of God." Turning to Joseph, Pharaoh said to him, "Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, you are the wisest man in the country!" Genesis 41:38-39

Observation: Joseph has not only interpreted Pharaoh's dream, but also recommended a course of action. Even that action is a leap of faith. It will involve telling the entire nation of Egypt that, during the next seven years of great wealth, they must not enjoy it, but rather to have it collected by the government. Entirely new cities will be built just to store all the grain and abundance that is collected. Then, that reserve can be used over the successive seven years. And all of this will be done five-fold, in five districts.

And who is deemed wise enough to organize this? The Hebrew slave who has been in prison for years. Pharaoh determines Joseph is wise not because he quickly provided a plan ... in fact, that isn't even mentioned! Instead, he is wise because he is "filled with the Spirit of God." This is the spirit of Yahweh, whom Pharaoh ... doesn't even probably believe in, and certainly doesn't worship as the one God. Yet simply by seeing that this spirit resides in Joseph, he immediately trusts that this makes Joseph the wisest man in all of Egypt.

Application: The spirit of God is more than just a comforting feeling we have within us. It is apparent externally to others, even to those who don't believe there is any such thing as the Holy Spirit, or even God.

When others perceive this, it can manifest in negative ways ... anger and resentment and levels of vengefulness occur. However, even the same people can also then seek wisdom, comfort, and assistance, for they subconsciously understand their need for God's love.

As Christians, this can be hard, as we can be openly attacked by others, then actively called to help the same people.

I wish I was a better person, as I know the Holy Spirit has difficulty staying with me in power when my life is poorly aligned to the Lord. Yes, I have been attacked before, and it hurts. But persecution is our blessing, and the benefits of the Holy Spirit - the chance to serve others, to exercise divine wisdom - are our reward for faith.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for my transgressions, and especially for by iniquities. I desire to wash away my sins this day, so I may be a worthy vessel for the Holy Spirit. May others see your spirit within me, and let them respond to that in whatever way they will. Amen.