Reading 15 | The Bible in 100 Passages

Sunday, September 28, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Genesis 41:14–28

Then Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was hurriedly brought out of the dungeon. When he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came in before Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not I; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “In my dream I was standing on the banks of the Nile, and seven cows, fat and sleek, came up out of the Nile and fed in the reed grass. Then seven other cows came up after them, poor, very ugly, and thin. Never had I seen such ugly ones in all the land of Egypt. The thin and ugly cows ate up the first seven fat cows, but when they had eaten them no one would have known that they had done so, for they were still as ugly as before. Then I awoke. I fell asleep a second time, and I saw in my dream seven ears of grain, full and good, growing on one stalk, and seven ears, withered, thin, and blighted by the east wind, sprouting after them, and the thin ears swallowed up the seven good ears. But when I told it to the magicians, there was no one who could explain it to me.”

Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “Pharaoh’s dreams are one and the same; God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do. The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good ears are seven years; the dreams are one. The seven lean and ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, as are the seven empty ears blighted by the east wind. They are seven years of famine. It is as I told Pharaoh; God has shown to Pharaoh what he is about to do. (NRSVUE)

Reflection

“Good times and bad times. I’ve seen them all and I’m still here.” This lyric, from the musical Follies by Stephen Sondheim, came to mind as I read this passage from Genesis about Pharaoh’s dreams and Joseph’s response.

Life has its good times and its bad times, and our faith is tested by both. I’ve had great job experiences with excellent bosses and colleagues. And I’ve had rough job experiences with tough bosses and hard situations.

As I look back on these different experiences, in each I found strength in my relationship with God. Seeking God’s wisdom and guidance helped me in both situations. During both periods my weekly ritual of going to church, both for the sermon and for the community of my fellow worshipers, helped ground me for the week ahead.

Now, as I look back on my life, I am incredibly thankful for all of God’s help in navigating the challenges I experienced. And to the church for providing community and comfort along the way.

Prayer

Dear Creator God, thank you! Thank you for being with me at all times, both good and bad. Thank you for your comfort and wisdom, which gave me the strength to handle the tough times and the humility to appreciate the good times. May I remain ever grateful for the times ahead. In your Son’s name I offer this prayer. Amen.

Written by Ed Miller, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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