Today’s Devotion
Topic: Give God the Glory
Text: Psalm 29: 2
2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Amen
When none of his wise men and magicians could interpret his dream, Pharaoh became both anxious and desperate. He sent for Joseph, right after his cup bearer mentioned that the Hebrew prisoner had the ability to interpret dreams.
Now Joseph “…was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” “I CANNOT DO IT, “Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “BUT GOD WILL GIVE PHAROAH THE ANSWER HE DESIRES.” (Gen 41: 14- 16).
After Pharaoh had narrated the dream, Joseph still drew attention to God by saying, “It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do” (Gen 41: 28). Then he went on to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh.
You see, Joseph was very careful to let Pharaoh know he is no interpreter of dreams, God is. He was a prisoner and was still not afraid to glorify Jehovah before Pharaoh. He sought no glory for himself. In fact, he didn’t even try to impress Pharaoh with his gift for favour. He rendered himself of no substance and relayed the honour to God even before he got started.
He also did something deeper and beautiful. Obviously Pharaoh will have his gods and may not necessarily know or regard the “Hebrew God”. Now, by telling Pharaoh that his “Hebrew God” is responsible for Pharaoh’s dream and its interpretation thereof, Joseph had placed Jehovah above all the other gods in Egypt and above Pharaoh himself.
But was he just being religious or humble? No, what he said is true. You see, God is from the beginning of time, the greatest source and inspiration to all that we do and say. Especially those special gifts, skills and talents that men acclaim us for. Next time men try to put you in a position of honour to commemorate your gift, be careful to direct the glory back to God. It is His.
So Brethren, the question now is, “how often do we redirect the glory men ascribe to us to the One who truly deserves all Glory? How careful are we to let others know that it is the mercies of God at work in us that make us appear special in their sight?
Meditate on these and begin to pray now. Repent of the many times you have prided yourself in the glory that is due God and of the many other times you even craved it. Resolve to give God glory in your life time for all that He is and for all that He’s made you. He deserves the glory, not you!
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