Sunday of Joseph (Sermon)

What do dreams Mean?

Genesis 41

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Our text for this morning is about Pharaoh's dreams. Pharaoh had two dreams given to him by God, so that he would be able to prepare his people for salvation. The people of Egypt would also prepare for the salvation of Israel's family, all because Pharaoh understood what these two dreams actually meant.

I could recount to you many dreams. You may even think of the many different dreams you have had. You could probably recount several of them in great detail. But have you ever thought about what they mean? Have you ever thought God might be trying to tell you something?

The cup bearer and the chief baker were both given dreams that troubled them greatly. Joseph inquired what their dreams where and told them. The cup bearer would be restored to his post in three days, and the chief baker would be beheaded in three days. These interpretations were found to be true. Joseph told the cup bearer to remember him, when he was restored.

Pharaoh now needs a dream interpreted, and there is no one to interpret his dream. The cup bearer tells Pharaoh about Joseph. Most of the time when people wish to interpret your dream, they are willing to give you their own interpretation. They may even give you something they read in a book concerning dreams. But only a prophet of God can truly say what Joseph says.

Joseph says, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer." The dream comes from God, and the answer then is only revealed by God. I am not going to tell you that all dreams come from God, and are pointing to your future or the future of God's people. Most likely they are not, because God has given us a place where his will is revealed.

Joseph learned from his father, while he was young. He was taught how God created heaven and earth. He was taught concerning Noah and the Flood. He was taught how God revealed himself to Abraham. God continued to speak with him even as he is in exile from his family.

Joseph still has the word of God. Pharaoh has this word through dreams. Many prophets received this word through visions. Others hear the words on the lips of others. You have the word of God in a book.

Many people think this is not enough. There are people that desire God to speak to them through miracles. Others just simply want God to express his plan in their dreams. People search for God's word in many and various places. They search there because they have heard stories like this one.

Do not get me wrong, God did reveal to Pharaoh in a dream. God even revealed to Joseph the favorable answer. But God has given us something greater than seeking him out in random and mysterious places. He has given us a book.

You might think it is that simple. But that book is the record. God spoke to his people of old in many and various ways, but in the last days God has spoken to his people by his Son. Jesus says in the Last Chapter  of Matthew, I will be with you always.

Yes, as we read, hear, and learn the Word of God taught in its truth and purity, Jesus is with us. Jesus also instituted Holy Baptism, so that you can be connected with the revelation of God. He has claimed you through his blood. The Holy Spirit has sealed you for the day of redemption.

Jesus even instituted the Lord's Supper, so that you can see and eat his very body and blood. He reveals his plan and purpose for your life. These are all built on the foundation of the Word of God. St John even reminds us that it is God's Word that was made flesh and dwelt among us.

God does not reveal himself through dreams, but the Holy Trinity and his plan of salvation is revealed through the Son, who has been made flesh. God sent his only begotten Son into the Word to save the world. God provides the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. God reveals his plans through the teaching, miracles, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Pharaoh needed to find the truth. Pilate has the truth standing right in front of him, and still does not understand. You have received the truth. You have been blessed by the truth. You have been forgiven and redeemed.

Many people think Joseph is the means of salvation for his brothers. Pharaoh is the means of redemption for his people. Pharaoh is given the plan of salvation for his people. He needs to understand this plan, so God sends him a prophet.

You are no different. God has revealed to you his plan of salvation. God sends you all his prophets, to reveal this (some may think simple) plan. God provides them for you in a simple little book. But it does not end there. God provides the sacrifice for your sins. God even provides people to help instruct us in the true faith. He raises up Pastors and teachers for this task.

You may be searching for God any where and every where. But it is here in this place, surrounded by God's word that you he has promised to always be with you. He will be here calling you to faith. He will be here proclaiming to you forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.