Two years have transpired between Genesis chapter 40 and 41. The theme in Genesis 41 is: “The Lord was with Joseph in affliction and promotion.” Pharaoh received two dreams which carried the same warning. How does one respond to warnings? The Bible has revealed many warnings to us to prepare us for the last days. But, are our lives impacted by these warnings of God? They were not given to tickle our ears, but to prepare us for Christ's second coming.

We have the complete Scriptures in our hands today, but Joseph had to patiently wait for God's revelation. Readiness involves waiting for the Lord's timing; it is not a restless waiting but knowing that the Lord is working behind the scenes. We may be tempted to run ahead of God. Joseph had to learn to wait; just like Moses who had to wait 40 years in the desert so that he would be ready to do God's work. If we want to do God's work, God sometimes requires us to wait. Waiting is such an important teacher: it teaches us that we have no control over many things.

Joseph was very conscious that the revelation was from God (Gen 41:16). He told Pharaoh both the good and the evil dreams. This is the same type of readiness we must have today: to speak forth what God has shown us. Sinners will go headlong into hell if Christians do not speak and warn of sin and its consequences. This pandemic is a warning to us. The wickedness and the sensuality of the last days will be like the days of Noah and Sodom and Gomorrah. Noah warned the people in his day of the pending judgment; likewise, the Lord is tarrying, and we still have hope and time. Let us tell others of their sins and the judgment to come, just like how the angels told Lot and his family of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah by fire and brimstone.

Joseph knew about the seven years of plenty and the seven years of famine, and he prescribed to Pharaoh the preparation needed for the famine. God still has a mission for Christians today. Our problem is that we are not prepared to do God's work. Moreover, we are very frequently discontented with our lot in life and we are not doing our best in what God has entrusted to us. We must do our best for Him wherever He has placed us.