Genesis 41:1-45
Friday, 19 November 2021
So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:41
The story of Joseph is familiar to most of us from the book of Genesis as one who was raised by God from “prison to palace!” The many difficulties he faced in life did not deter his faith in God and God honoured him in His time! Here we see the Egyptian ruler Pharaoh acknowledging Joseph as a wise man and in whom the Spirit of God dwells. The signet ring he received gave Joseph the delegated power from the throne of Egypt. All marks of honor were put on him including giving him the chariot, position of the second–in-command. God rewarded Joseph for his integrity of character!
In all of the different circumstances in life that Joseph went through, He trusted God. The phrase: “…the LORD was with Joseph” is seen in several instances of the narrative in Genesis. The tests in his life were opportunities for more trust in God! Joseph was frank and faithful in acknowledging the true God before the king of Egypt (Genesis 41:16). He gave all the credit to God alone; never tried to take credit for himself. It is expected of a believer in Jesus Christ to do the same – giving all honor and glory to our God Almighty at every given opportunity!
Opportunities can come when we expect it least. Joseph was in the dungeon and suddenly brought before the king in the palace (Vs.14). He never had any advance information or preparatory time to answer the king. But we see here that he was fully ready for the task and it was only on account of his right relationship with God. It was never the knowledge of Joseph that interpreted the dream but it was the imparted wisdom of God which was upon him. Children of God should be putting an earnest desire in knowing the Lord more, so that we will be confident to seek His direction when situations arise before us.
Looking at the life of Joseph we can see that he was betrayed and deserted by his brothers, exposed to temptations at Potiphar’s house and punished for doing the right thing. He had to undergo long imprisonment and was forgotten by those he helped. But he was never discouraged instead always had a positive response to all trials which made him to press forward. Never have we seen him questioning God or asking why it all happened to him. In the midst of the fiery trials, his approach was to overcome every situation with God’s help.
You too may be passing through setbacks in life or trying to make sense of difficult times or circumstances— try as Joseph did – Acknowledge God’s help to be an overcomer! The Creator God who gave you life and put you in this world, knows where you are and where you ought to be. May you say like the Psalmist in Psalm 138: 8[NLT]: “The LORD will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.”
Pharaoh recognized the Spirit of God in Joseph (Vs.38). You may not be an interpreter of dreams but when people look at you, are they able to see your Redeemer Jesus Christ shining through your life? Your approach, actions, words, speak volumes to those around you- your family, neighbors, friends, colleagues, relatives and others. Philippians 1:27 says, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
Can we take a moment to check our lives whether we truly portray Christ through our lives?
Meditate on: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)