Four lessons from Joseph’s life so far;
Don’t get Bogged down by Bad Days, in the pit or the prison, God has a bigger and better plan (keep the Big Picture in view, personal prophesies and dreams).
Don’t become twisted or bitter by the unexpected ‘twists and turns of life’. Joseph forgave his brothers and recognised that God’s hand had been been behind everything that had happened to him.
Joseph didn’t complain about the treatment he’d received (wasn’t self-centred or pitying), but focused on Pharaoh’s questions or needs and gave him good counsel.
He introduced God at once into the conversation, saying God had the answers. We can also mention God as we speak and allow Him to direct the outcome. Introducing God’s name into our conversations may be a key for many of us!
What happened next to Joseph was dramatic and crucial to his new life;
41 So Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.’ 42 Then Pharaoh took HIS SIGNET RING from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He DRESSED HIM IN ROBES OF FINE LINEN AND PUT A GOLD CHAIN ROUND HIS NECK. 43 He made him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and people shouted before him, ‘Make way!’ Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt. Genesis 41
Pharaoh knew that anyone newly appointed to be his second in command for the whole land of Egypt had to ‘look the part’, or have a distinguished appearance. The first thing he gave Joseph was his own Signet Ring (Esther’s uncle, Mordecai also received the King of Babylon’s ring once Haman was removed). The ring probably contained Pharaoh’s seal and therefore his authority to command in Egypt. Joseph was dressed to stand in his new role, no one would be in any doubt that he was a ruler in the land.
45 Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt.
50 Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. 51 Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, ‘It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.’ 52 The second son he named Ephraim and said, ‘It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.’
Joseph was given a wife, daughter of a priest and they had two sons, given prophetic names byJoseph. So Joseph was well established in Egypt and may have thought he wouldn’t see his family again but the dreams of his boyhood still remained to be fulfilled.
Christians are children of the Most High God and may have lowly positions on earth and yet our voices are heard in heaven. We must remember that we are spiritual beings, created to have fellowship with the Lord, now and for all eternity. That is who we are and what we should live for.
24 ‘“‘The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face towards you
and give you peace.’”
27 ‘So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.’
Amen, Yes Lord.