（创41）“这 不 在 乎 我” “It Is Not I” (Genesis 41)
(ChatGPT translation from Chinese, edited by Mijiale, 中文在后面）
Genesis 41:15–16:
“Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I have 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.’ Joseph answered Pharaoh, ‘It is not I; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.’”
(Note: NOT I: בלעדי See https://www.sefaria.org/Rashi_on_Genesis.41.16.1?lang=bi)
Joseph recognized that his ability to interpret dreams came from the Creator. On the surface, interpreting dreams might seem to depend on human intelligence and inspiration, but both inspiration and intellect are gifts from God. The Creator can grant them or withhold them; He can empower or remove that power as He wills.
The Book of Daniel provides a “negative” example of arrogance being humbled. In Daniel 4, King Nebuchadnezzar once declared:
“Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?”
Before the words left his mouth, a voice from heaven pronounced judgment on him:
“O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: The kingdom has departed from you, and you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He will.”
This prophecy was fulfilled immediately. Nebuchadnezzar lost his royal dignity, became like a wild animal, and lived this way until the time is fulfilled. Upon his repentance, he proclaimed:
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are right and His ways are just; and those who walk in pride He is able to humble.”
The king’s authority and majesty might seem to come from his own efforts, but how many people labor diligently without ever becoming rulers? The Creator provides opportunities, and even the qualities of perseverance and leadership are gifts from Him.
Personal Reflection
I’ve had my own experience with this lesson in humility. About 5 years after my baptism, in the month of June, a missionary couple visiting from China met with my wife and me. During our conversation, they asked about driving. My wife shared that she didn’t drive yet, while I said something like I was a good driver. I even boasted that I had driven for more than ten years without ever making any fault to cause an accident.
My wife felt uneasy hearing my prideful statements at that time. About months later, in mid-August, I caused an accident by making an illegal left turn. Our car was damaged, and we had to pay for the repairs to the other vehicle. My insurance rates went up. Thankfully, neither party suffered physical injuries—praise God for His protection. But this experience was clearly God’s discipline.
Lessons Learned
We truly have no reason for pride or boasting. Whatever strengths or advantages we possess are gifts from God. Safe driving might seem to be due to good habits, but even good habits cannot prevent an occasional mistake. Ultimately, we rely on the Creator’s protection. Moreover, the opportunity to develop good habits is itself a blessing from Him.
Whether we are facing challenges or enjoying success, we should understand as Joseph did: “It is not I.” Let us look to the Maker of heaven and earth for our help and guidance.
（创41）“这 不 在 乎 我”
创世记41:15-16 “ 法 老 对 约 瑟 说 ， 我 作 了 一 梦 ， 没 有 人 能 解 。 我 听 见 人 说 ， 你 听 了 梦 就 能 解 。约 瑟 回 答 法 老 说 ， 这 不 在 乎 我 ， 神 必 将 平 安 的 话 回 答 法 老 。”
约瑟认识到他解梦的能力来自造物主。解梦从表面上看是出于人的智力和灵感，但灵感和智力都是造物主给的。造物主可以给灵感，也可以不给灵感，祂可以赐予能力，也可以拿走能力。
但以理书第四章记载，巴比伦王曾经骄傲过， “他 说 ， ‘这 大 巴 比 伦 不 是 我 用 大 能 大 力 建 为 京 都 ， 要 显 我 威 严 的 荣 耀 吗 ？’
这 话 在 王 口 中 尚 未 说 完 ， 有 声 音 从 天 降 下 ， 说 ， ‘尼 布 甲 尼 撒 王 阿 ， 有 话 对 你 说 ， 你 的 国 位 离 开 你 了 。你 必 被 赶 出 离 开 世 人 ， 与 野 地 的 兽 同 居 ， 吃 草 如 牛 ， 且 要 经 过 七 期 。 等 你 知 道 至 高 者 在 人 的 国 中 掌 权 ， 要 将 国 赐 与 谁 就 赐 与 谁 。’
当 时 这 话 就 应 验 在 尼 布 甲 尼 撒 的 身 上 ， 他 被 赶 出 离 开 世 人 ， 吃 草 如 牛 ， 身 被 天 露 滴 湿 ， 头 发 长 长 ， 好 像 鹰 毛 。 指 甲 长 长 ， 如 同 鸟 爪 。”
日子满足后，巴比伦王悔改了，他承认：“现 在 我 尼 布 甲 尼 撒 赞 美 ， 尊 崇 ， 恭 敬 天 上 的 王 。 因 为 他 所 作 的 全 都 诚 实 ， 他 所 行 的 也 都 公 平 。 那 行 动 骄 傲 的 ， 他 能 降 为 卑 。”
君王的威严地位，从表面上看是出于他自己努力奋斗的结果，但努力奋斗的人多了，又有多少人能有机遇成为君王？是造物主给的机遇。即使是努力奋斗的性格，也是造物主给的。
我自己也遇到过类似的经历，在受洗后第五年的六月份，有一对在中国传道的夫妇回美，来看往我太太和我。他们问起我们开车的情况，我太太说她还不回开车，我会开，我大概说了我是个好司机，从学车开始十几年从来没有因为自己犯错而出过车祸。我太太听我这样说，当时心里就咯噔一下，有些不安。后来在八月中旬我们就出了车祸，而且是我犯错，在不是左拐的线上左拐，被后面来的车撞在左边了。自己车被撞凹了，还要赔别人钱，还升了保险。还好双方都没有身体伤害，感谢主保守。这是主对我的管教。
现在我们知道，我们自己没有可以骄傲或夸口的，我们有的好处和优点都是主给的。开车犯错与否，看上去是在乎自己是否有好的习惯，但即使是好的习惯，也不能保证从不犯错。我们最终靠造天地的造物主保守。而且即使是好的开车习惯，也是造物主给我们机会帮助我们养成的。
无论在接受挑战时，还是做事顺利时，我们都应该像约瑟那样知道“这 不 在 乎 我” ， 我们仰望从造天地的造物主而来的帮助。