Year of Abundance-Joseph Years

When Joseph was only a teenager, he dreamt of doing great things. In Genesis 37, Joseph had dreams of his brothers and his parents bowing down to him. His brothers hated him for his dream and also because he was the favourite of his father. They conspired to kill Joseph but was convinced by Rueben to throw him in a cistern instead. In the end, they decided to sell him to Medianites for twenty shekels of silver and they took him to Egypt. The story told to his Father, was that he had been killed by a wild animal. Joseph found favour in Egypt with his master Potiphar, until his master’s wife started to pursue him. When he maintained his integrity, she lied against him and he was thrown in prison.

Even in prison, Joseph found favour with the guard and he put him in charge. Eventually, two of Pharaoh’s servants were imprisoned and had dreams about their execution and release. Joseph interpreted their dreams and it happened just as the Lord revealed to him. After two years, Pharaoh himself had two dreams concerning seven cows and seven ears of grain. In each vision, there were seven plumb cows and grains that were later swallowed up by seven lean cows and grains. The Magicians could not interpret the dreams and the Cupbearer remembered Joseph and convinced Pharaoh to ask for his help. Pharaoh agreed and Joseph both interpreted the dreams and advised Pharaoh concerning what needed to be done.

“There will come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt, but after them there will arise seven years of famine, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt. The famine will consume the land” (Genesis 41:29-30). Joseph advised Pharaoh to appoint Overseers over the land, to collect one fifth of all the produce during the years of plenty. In that way, they would store up enough food during the years of plenty for the seven years of famine. Pharaoh was so impressed by Joseph’s wisdom, that he set him over all the land of Egypt. “During the seven plentiful years the earth produced abundantly” (Genesis 41:47). Joseph stored up grain in great abundance, like the sand of the sea that could not be measured.

During the years or famine, Joseph sold grain to all the Egyptians and people from all over the world also came to buy grain. Joseph’s own family came to buy grain and given his position in Egypt, they all bowed to him as a fulfilment of his dreams. We are entering the Joseph years of abundance and increase. The elect of God will experience promotion, elevation and exponential growth in their spheres of influence. We have to guard against waste and ensure that we are shrewd in our investments. We need great discipline in this season and we have to establish boundaries in order to keep what we generate. Those who refuse to be disciplined will struggle and can revel in excesses. Maintain godly relationships and ensure that your inner circle includes people with wisdom.

“If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength; but wisdom [to sharpen the axe] helps him succeed [with less effort]” (Ecclesiastes 10:10).

A.P.-Y.

Published
January 1, 2023January 1, 2023