Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 41:1-37 which covers Pharaoh’s two dreams and the interpretation and proposal by Joseph. Pharaoh had two similar dreams (7 thin cows eating 7 fat cows, and 7 thin ears of grain eating 7 fat ears of grain). Joseph interpreted these dreams as representing 7 years of abundance in Egypt followed by 7 years of famine, and he proposed saving some of the food from the abundant years as a reserve to cover some of what would be needed for the years of famine. Here is a link to that chapter – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+41&version=NASB
I quote the following verses.
“Now Joseph said to Pharaoh, “Pharaoh’s dreams are one and the same; God has told to Pharaoh what He is about to do.” Verse 25.
“It is as I have spoken to Pharaoh: God has shown to Pharaoh what He is about to do.” Verse 28.
“Now as for the repeating of the dream to Pharaoh twice, it means that the matter is determined by God, and God will quickly bring it about.” Verse 32.
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God is sovereign: “it means that the matter is determined by God”. Verse 32. Today’s Scripture shows that both abundant years and famine years were determined by God and were part of His overall providence.
Reformed Doctrine consistently teaches God’s sovereignty and providence. Here is some of what the Reformed Creeds teach.
From Heidelberg Catechism:
Question 27. What dost thou mean by the providence of God?
Answer. The almighty and everywhere present power of God; whereby, as it were by his hand, he upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come, not by chance, but by his fatherly hand.
Question 28. What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by his providence doth still uphold all things?
Answer. That we may be patient in adversity; thankful in prosperity; and that in all things, which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us from his love; since all creatures are so in his hand, that without his will they cannot so much as move.
From Belgic Confession:
Article 13: Of Divine Providence.
We believe that the same God, after he had created all things, did not forsake them, or give them up to fortune or chance, but that he rules and governs them according to his holy will, so that nothing happens in this world without his appointment: nevertheless, God neither is the author of, nor can be charged with, the sins which are committed. For his power and goodness are so great and incomprehensible, that he orders and executes his work in the most excellent and just manner, even then, when devils and wicked men act unjustly. And, as to what he doth surpassing human understanding, we will not curiously inquire into, farther than our capacity will admit of; but with the greatest humility and reverence adore the righteous judgments of God, which are hid from us, contenting ourselves that we are disciples of Christ, to learn only those things which he has revealed to us in his Word, without transgressing these limits. This doctrine affords us unspeakable consolation, since we are taught thereby that nothing can befall us by chance, but by the direction of our most gracious and heavenly Father; who watches over us with a paternal care, keeping all creatures so under his power, that not a hair of our head (for they are all numbered), nor a sparrow, can fall to the ground, without the will of our Father, in whom we do entirely trust; being persuaded, that he so restrains the devil and all our enemies, that without his will and permission, they cannot hurt us. And therefore we reject that damnable error of the Epicureans, who say that God regards nothing, but leaves all things to chance. Belgic Confession.
From Westminster Larger Catechism:
Question 18: What are God’s works of providence?
Answer: God’s works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures; ordering them, and all their actions, to his own glory.
And, “God will quickly bring it about.” Verse 32.
“for the Lord will execute His word on the earth, thoroughly and quickly.” Romans 9:28.
“And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book.” Revelation 22:7.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 