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Lesson 27 – Genesis 40–41. Interpreting Dreams. Each table will have a dream to interpret. You need to come up with an interpretation of the dream in your group. Think about the objects/actions/animals in the dream and what they might represent
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Lesson 27 – Genesis 40–41 Interpreting Dreams
Each table will have a dream to interpret • You need to come up with an interpretation of the dream in your group. • Think about the objects/actions/animals in the dream and what they might represent • There isn’t a correct interpretation; be creative. • One person at the group will read dream, another will read interpretation.
Joseph could interpret dreams • Butler (Gen 40:9-11) • Vine with 3 branches • Butler made grape juice for Pharoah • In three days, Butler will be reinstated • Baker (Gen 40:16-17) • 3 White baskets on his head • Birds ate bread out of the baskets • In three days, Baker to be hanged and fed to birds
Pharaoh’s (Double) Dream • Gen 41:1-7 • 7 fat kine (cows) eaten by 7 malnourished kine. • 7 good ears devoured by 7 thin ears (of corn) • There will be seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine. • Save up food in the first 7 years to use in the second 7.
Pharaoh's Dream was part of the plan • What would have happened if Pharaoh hadn’t had the dream? • Had he not had the dream (and the Butler and Baker), Joseph would have stayed in prison. • Egypt would have suffered from the famine. • Joseph would have never reunited with his family • What if it hadn’t been a dream, maybe just a letter from a prophet? • Why didn’t the wise men interpret the dream?
So, why all the dreaming? • First, it was a path for the Lord to bless Joseph, to bring him out of prison • It was something the Lord knew Joseph could do. Why? • Gen 39:21 • Gen 40:8, 41:15-16 • This is an opportunity to teach them • Do they learn? (Gen 40:37-38)
Origin of Dreams • How do we know that a dream is from God? • Dreams from God are revelation. • How do we discern revelation from God? • D&C 50:9 • We must be worthy • v21-25 • It is understood • It edifies • It is light/goodness • v29-31 • You have to ask • If you don’t receive His Spirit, it’s not of God
“Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God” (D&C 121:45) • Joseph had this confidence • “Do not interpretations belong to God?” • “It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace” • Not a confidence in self, but trust in the Lord • This is the lesson of the story of Joseph • God works His plan through many different means • We need to be worthy to be part of that plan • We need to be worthy to discern the plan
Notebook Ideas • Have you had a dream, or vivid thought that you believe may be meant as revelation? How did you respond? • What can you do to become more sensitive and discerning, to understand the will of God in your own life?