Joseph was God’s Way Maker; he lived alone in Egypt to make a path to safety for his family in harsh times.
You are
WAY MAKER, miracle worker, PROMISE KEEPER (yesterday’s blog)
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are (Lyrics by Sinach, Nigerian Gospel Singer)
Joseph’s life puzzled him greatly at times, why had all these things happened to him?
14 But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. 15 I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and EVEN HERE I HAVE DONE NOTHING TO DESERVE BEING PUT IN A DUNGEON.’ Genesis 40
Joseph had finally met his father Jacob and wept for a long time, as all the pent up emotions were released.
31 THEN Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, ‘I WILL GO AND SPEAK TO PHARAOH and will say to him, “My brothers and my father’s household, who were living in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32 The men are shepherds; they tend livestock, and they have brought along their flocks and herds and everything they own.” Genesis 46
Joseph was going to set scene for his family’s encounter with a foreign head of state, he was Preparing the Way for their meeting. There would have been a natural antipathy between the Egyptians and the shepherds from Canaan as the scriptures declare;
33 When Pharaoh calls you in and asks, “What is your occupation?” 34 you should answer, “Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just as our fathers did.” Then you will be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen, FOR ALL SHEPHERDS ARE DETESTABLE TO THE EGYPTIANS.’ Genesis 46
Joseph, however, was highly regarded by Pharaoh and his court and they needed his wisdom for the days of famine that still lay ahead. Joseph chose five (number of Grace) of his brothers to present to Pharaoh and they answered Pharaoh just as Joseph had told them. Pharaoh gave them freedom to settle anywhere in the land. Then Jacob came before Pharaoh to greet/bless him.
7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, ‘How old are you?’
9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, ‘The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. (Far beyond expected lifespan today) My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.’ 10 Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence.
God’s provision for His people was in place, Joseph’s suffering had opened the way for his family to survive the harsh times. They understood why God had sent him ahead of them, the dreams of long ago were fulfilled.
Do you know any Way Makers in your life, they may be the key for the days ahead. Maybe you have been called to serve others and make a way for them. This may provide help for some who are seeking to know why they have been led in certain ways. God can reveal it all to us in His time.
God bless and keep you and make His face shine upon you today.