Travel with me to Genesis 41 for just a bit or two. Now, we all know that Joseph was known for interpreting dreams, and in this chapter, Joseph had just interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, telling him about the upcoming years of prosperity and the years of severe famine to follow. Joseph had given Pharaoh very wise advice about how to handle the upcoming years of uncertainty, and his guidance, according to verse 37, were “well received” by Pharaoh and his officials.
They knew that Joseph was filled with the Spirit of God, and asked in verse 38 “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?” They knew of no one any wiser, so Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of everything, making him second in command only to Pharaoh.
Verse 45:
Then Pharaoh gave Joseph a new Egyptian name, Zaphenath-paneah…..
Now, that sounds like a much more complicated name to you and I than “Joseph”! However, in the times of which we are speaking, the meaning of a person’s name was more significant than the name itself. This new name, although a tongue twister for a country girl like me, was a huge statement about the life of Joseph.
Guess what this Egyptian name “Zaphenath-paneah” means?
It means God speaks and lives.
Wow…
Joseph’s life said something.
About God.
Even to the Egyptians, who were not followers of God.
Joseph’s life showed them that God speaks and lives!
We can’t deny that this brings us to a question.
If I were given a new name today reflecting what my life says about God, what would that name be?
I can quickly tell you what I would hope it would be, but that’s not really answering the question. It’s the beginning of a new week. Let’s reflect at the end of each day this week and think about what our life has said about God that day. What name would be given to you?
If I lived each day with that thought at the forefront of my words, my actions, my thoughts, my faith - WOAH – wouldn’t that make a difference in everything?
God, as I begin to reflect for just this short moment on what my life says about You, the many ways I misrepresent You come to my mind. Please have mercy on me today and everyday for my misrepresentations of You. I carry Your “reputation” around with me for all the world to see, and sometimes I don’t show them the real You. Please forgive me once again for allowing my flesh to take over. These days do not belong to me, they belong to You. I have traded them for eternity. I once again give them over to You to do with as You please. When I reach to take them back, as I always do, Holy Spirit, speak to me in ways that I cannot deny and convict me of what I am doing. Loosen my grip on this life that is not mine to live. Let this day be different, lived for Your glory alone.
Royal Princess Daughter Of The King
Amen Amy! Truly enjoyed your signing yesterday to I trust in Jesus! God bless you!
ReplyDeleteI think Camillia has shared on here about a guy she used to work with at the Community Kitchen, who changed his name after he gave his life to Christ. He believed himself to be a new creation, and decided to legally change his name.
ReplyDeleteI honestly think that is an amazing idea, so I've decided if I were to do that, I would change my name to Whittrich Maddenhoeffer. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?
Whittrich Maddenhoeffer - does have a sort of revolutionary John the Baptist edge to it! Too funny, Whitt! Love it! Todd came home telling me what you had named yourself, he was quite fond of your creativity!
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