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January 26th
Our Bible reading for today is Genesis chapters 41 and 42.
**This is the beginning of one of my favorite God stories in the Bible. Why? Because Joseph is a type of Christ in the sense that he is a sort of savior. You could say that Joseph saved an entire nation from starvation. So that is why some would call him a savior. Where Christ saved a world of believing sinners from the judgment of God. And that makes Him the ultimate savior. Joseph was given power over Egypt as their savior. Jesus was given all power in heaven and on earth as the all-powerful savior. Joseph was not recognized by his brothers. Jesus was not recognized by most of his Jewish brothers as the Messiah/Savior He was. Joseph was a good savior for a nation who needed food. Jesus was and is a great and sufficient savior for a world who needs the living bread of eternal life.
**There is another reason why I'm drawn to this story.
For thirteen years Joseph has served as slave and prisoner in Egypt. And there is no record in scripture of Joseph’s bitterness toward his brothers who betrayed him. Instead, he says, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.”
Joseph believed in the hidden providence of God. Instead of saying, “Why me?”...Joseph said, “Why not me...God’s up to something good...just show me how to get in on it Lord.” Joseph believed in the God who brings good out of evil for His people.
Yes, I too believe that no matter how dark things can get, God’s hand is always in control...for His glory...even beyond me...beyond my comfort...beyond my understanding...Why?
Listen to William Cowper...poet and Christian hymn writer...contemporary and good friend of John Newton, who wrote Amazing Grace...
“Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace.
Behind a frowning providence, it is a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour,
The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower.”
Amen William!
And there is one more reason why this Bible story inspires my heart.
“God is using a young man greatly.” Oh that God would raise up more young believers to use and older ones to aid them!
That young man in our reading is Joseph. He has dreamed dreams that will come true in his day. He has been betrayed by his own brothers. He has been sold to be a servant of the Captain of the Guard of Pharaoh. He has been convicted and imprisoned for ten years for a crime he never committed...all for God’s purposes...Not just for Joseph, but for his whole family.
While Joseph was in an Egyptian prison, God used him to help a man. He interpreted his dream and it came true. Two years later, where we are in today’s reading, Joseph is interpreting the Pharaoh’s dreams...which led young Joseph to say.....
“God is showing Pharaoh what He is about to do.”...not what he, Joseph, was going to do, but what God is going to do.
Upon telling the Pharaoh the meaning of the dreams, Joseph added how the Pharoah could cooperate with God in saving his nation from severe famine. Pharoah was more than impressed with young Joseph.
He was driven to make Joseph the overseer of God’s plan to protect and provide for Egypt and the world from the devastating famine to come.
Pharaoh made Joseph second in command in all of Egypt, just behind the Pharoah.
Joseph as a boy was favored. Joseph as a teenager was destined for God’s use. Joseph as a young adult was tested.
What was God doing?
He was getting Joseph right where he wanted him to be...
....from prisoner in Egypt to governor over all Egypt.
A strange journey to say the least...but it was God’s, all mapped out before it began.
What a story Joseph would have for his kids and grandchildren.
What’s your journey like friend? Whatever it is, let’s say yes to God...
And then we too will have a “rest of the story to tell.
Have a great day!
