And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt(Gen. 41:41-43).
Thirteen years had passed since young Joseph had been sold into slavery as a result of the jealousy and hatred of his older brothers. Over that period, Joseph experienced incredible highs (being placed in charge of Potiphar’s household (Gen. 39:5-6)) as well as devastating lows (being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison (39:14-20) and being “forgotten” by the chief butler when he first appeared before Pharaoh). His rapid turns of fortune must have, at times, caused him great discouragement, but even while at his most troubled, he never doubted the presence of God. Joseph trusted that God had a plan for his life. He endured his trials, not sorrowfully, but with the profound certainty that God’s cause was just. He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that His word came: the word of the Lord tried him (Ps. 105:17-19).
It wasn’t until Joseph was called before Pharaoh that the godly purpose behind all that he had endured began to reveal itself. Pharaoh’s dream had been sent by God. Therefore, only God could interpret it. Yet in a land of pagans, whose ears were open to hear the answer? At this point, the butler remembered his promise to Joseph and presented him to Pharaoh. And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace (Gen. 41:16). Pharaoh recognized God’s wisdom in Joseph and said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
How marvelous are the ways of God! Over a span of 13 years, he took a young Hebrew (39:14) shepherd boy and transformed him into the second-highest official in the land of Egypt. In the light of God’s plan, all of Joseph’s past experiences were made clear. His brother’s betrayal brought him to Egypt. His time in Potiphar’s house taught him how to manage effectively, and his subsequent imprisonment put him in the position to be noticed by Pharaoh. Finally, the length of his imprisonment allowed him to learn patience and to mature in his faith so that he would be ready to serve in the fullness of God’s time.
God has a plan for each of us, a plan that only He is aware of in full. For some of us, the fulfillment of this plan might be easy and joyous, requiring only that we live in the grace of God and share His great love with those around us. For others, the path is less clear. Yet no matter how many obstacles we must overcome or trials we must endure, we can rest secure in the knowledge that God is in control, and He will bring us through.
For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps (I Pet. 2:19-21).
Thought for Today: Any life without God, whether quiet or tumultuous, ends hopelessly. No matter the hardship, a life with God is one to rejoice in.
Christ Revealed: By the wisdom of Joseph (Gen. 41:39). Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:2-3).
Word Studies: 40:1 butler = cupbearer, chief servant officer; 40:3 in ward = in custody; 41:3 ill favoured = very skinny; brink = bank; 41:5 rank = large full grain; 41:6 blasted = blighted; 41:18 fatfleshed = fine looking; 41:33 discreet = of wisdom and discernment; 41:35 hand = authority
Pray For Staff:Judy McCrary • Government Official: Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA), Rep. Michael McCaul(TX) • Country: Niger (17,466,172) Western Africa • Major Language: French • Religious Freedom • 80% Muslim; 20% Other (Indigenous Beliefs, Christian, Bahai) • Prayer Suggestion: Commit your fears to the Lord; He will give you peace and strength (Dan. 10:19).
Optional ReadingMatthew 14