Kelly - Genesis 41

Okay - I've been fighting it for the past few chapters and I've just got to get it out of my system. I simply cannot read this chapter without hearing the Elvis-impersonation songs from the musical. I'm always a big fan of Elvis impersonators - but it does make more in-depth reading of this chapter difficult.

V. 16 - "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."

Whoa - that takes some serious daring! I know that Joseph sets himself up in this chapter as a man with some bravado in asserting a good position for himself and getting himself out of jail. But....to stake everything on what God will or will not do is downright reckless.

I trust in God's ability, but not always in God's timing or willingness to act on my timetable. I would love to be able to tell someone that "God will give you the answer" - but sometimes I think God intentionally remains silent. Sometimes we don't listen, sure. But sometimes God remains silent.

Joseph staked everything on God's willingness to give answers. Perhaps he also staked everything on the intimacy of his relationship with God - on the fact that "God was with him." Perhaps he staked everything on God's willingness to act because he had some inside knowledge on the topic.

I don't know if I'm deeply impressed with such a close relationship or if I'm extremely annoyed that Jospeh would dare to announce what God will or will not do.