The Life of Joseph

Part 3:  A life well-lived

Chapter 41 of Genesis begins with God giving Joseph the interpretation of Pharoah’s dream.  When Joseph’s interpretation explained the land of Egypt will have seven years of great food abundance and seven years of severe famine.  Adding to that Joseph gave Pharoah a plan to care for his people and that of other countries.  Joseph asked nothing in return, nor did he try to promote himself.  Joseph realized that his life was blessed because of God, and God would continue to bless and use him for His purposes.

Pharoah said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders.  Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.” (v 39-40) In one day Joseph went from prison to the palace.

Joseph worked diligently on the plan God had given him.  Joseph was given a wife and they had two sons.  The oldest son was named Manasseh meaning, “God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.”  The second son was named Ephraim meaning, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”  (v. 51-52)  It was not that Joseph didn’t experience the pain of how he got to Egypt, but he chose to focus on what God had done for him, rather than what others had done against him. 

Then the ultimate test comes to Joseph as he faces the brothers who sold him into slavery, and Joseph has all power about their future.  When his brothers come for grain, they do not recognize Joseph, but he recognizes them.  He questions them about their family and finds out his father and younger brother are living.  Joseph gives them several tests to see if they have changed any from their former ways.  Joseph sets them up so he will be able to see his younger brother, Benjamin, and his father. Little did his brothers realize that Joseph heard their conversation about when they had mistreated him and now this is their punishment they deserve.

Some time passed and Joseph faced his brothers again.  This time Joseph reveals that he is the brother that they sold into slavery.  Needless to say, “his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.” (45:3). To the brother’s relief and surprise Joseph said to them,” And now do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you….to preserve for you a remnant on earth and save your lives by a great deliverance.  So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.” (45:5-7)

Long before Joseph saw his brothers, he made a decision to let God deal with the past and to focus on the One that holds his future.  Joseph did see his dreams fulfilled, his nation saved, the reconciliation of family and the carrying of his bones to the land promised his people.  What an example Joseph is of living in the present and not the pass.

Pastor Ruth Kaunley