December 8, 2016

Genesis 40:6,7 NKJV - "And Joseph came in to them in the morning and looked at them, and saw that they were sad.  So he asked Pharaoh's officers who were with him in the custody of his lord's house saying, 'Why do you look so sad today?'"

Just a look and a question and Joseph set in motion his release from prison, his rising to power in Egypt, and his being used of God to save his family from starvation and set Israel up for the day of deliverance from Egypt 430 years later!  Just a look, he "...looked at them."  Ever take notice of those around you, especially noting when they're not their usual joyful selves?  That "look" can be Spirit-directed as it was with Joseph.  Joseph had a sensitive heart, having been mistreated himself, he was all the more aware when others are treated poorly too.  He asked a tenderhearted question, "Why do you look so sad today?"  That question would open up these two officials to share their dreams with Joseph.  He would interpret their dreams and one of them would be released and eventually (two-years later) tell Pharaoh that there was a Hebrew slave in prison who could interpret Pharaoh's dreams.  And if you read the rest of Genesis and into Exodus, you'll see how that "look and a question" allowed Joseph to be placed in a position to do great things for God.

Simple concern for another and a kind approach to share your concern with their needs may open up a wonderful opportunity to win a soul to Christ and start a chain of events that could bring a great awakening among the lost.  Ask God each morning to give you a tender heart and a watchful eye for those who look sad and troubled.  Trust Him for the right approach to show God's love to them.  And then watch how God can use a simple "look and a question" to turn someone's life around.