Pharaoh’s Dream is a Dream for Us All

The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads of grain are seven years; it is one and the same dream.  The seven lean, ugly cows that came up afterward are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind: They are seven years of famine

Genesis 41:26-27

I always wonder why we only talk about the spirit of God upon Joseph to interpret the dream and not the content of the dream itself. Pharaoh, an ungodly king, received a message through this dream that holds a strong relevance to everyone seeking lasting relevance in life, regardless of culture or creed.

Let’s review the dream again, shall we? 

17 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile, 18 when out of the river there came up seven cows, fat and sleek, and they grazed among the reeds. 19 After them, seven other cows came up—scrawny and very ugly and lean. I had never seen such ugly cows in all the land of Egypt. 20 The lean, ugly cows ate up the seven fat cows that came up first. 21 But even after they ate them, no one could tell that they had done so; they looked just as ugly as before. Then I woke up.

22 “In my dream I saw seven heads of grain, full and good, growing on a single stalk. 23 After them, seven other heads sprouted—withered and thin and scorched by the east wind. 24 The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven good heads. I told this to the magicians, but none of them could explain it to me.” Genesis 41:17-24

In response, this was how Joseph interpreted the dream:

25 Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do. 26 The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads of grain are seven years; it is one and the same dream. 27 The seven lean, ugly cows that came up afterward are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind: They are seven years of famine. Genesis 41:25-27

There you have it. The content of this dream applies to all. Everyone in their lifetime will experience seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Though Pharaoh’s dream remains relevant today, the good news is that Joseph’s advice is equally valid. 

“34 Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. … 36 This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine.” Genesis 41:34-36

Let’s brace ourselves for the future by doing likewise. During our times of abundance, save and invest: not just in finances, but in relationships and networks too. Build strong connections, systems, and efficient processes – you’ll surely need them in the days ahead.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for the season that I am in my life. Please, help me to be wise, discerning and disciplined in the days of your abundance of rain to prepare for the days to come when things may not be the same.