Joseph was the most loved son of his father, Israel, he was given the famous robe of many colors. When Joseph reported having dreams of his brothers, and even the stars and moon, bowing before him, their jealousy of Joseph grew into action. The brothers sold him into slavery to a traveling caravan of Ishmaelites who took him to Egypt and sold him to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s guard.
In Egypt, THE LORD’S PRESENCE WITH JOSEPH enables him to find favor with Potiphar and the keeper of the prison. With God’s help, Joseph interprets the dreams of two prisoners, predicting that one of them will be reinstated but the other put to death. Joseph then interprets the mysterious dreams of the Pharaoh, which anticipated seven years of plenty followed by seven years of very severe famine. Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” (Genesis 41:39-40)
Pharaoh quickly promotes Joseph as THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR OF EGYPT. This is what provided the way for the people of Israel to be spared from starvation.
When Israel (Jacob) died Joseph’s 11 brothers came and bowed down to Joseph, fearful for what Joseph might do to them for the harsh way they treated him but, “Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (Genesis 50:19-20)
Never once through the trials of Joseph did, he complain of say “why me?” Somehow, he knew that God would TAKE CARE OF HIM. “The LORD was with Joseph, so HE SUCCEEDED IN EVERYTHING HE DID…” (Genesis 39:2) This story shows how God’s plan may not be obvious to our limited perspective but indeed “…we know that for those who love God all things WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Joseph knew as WE SHOULD KNOW that our God, “…will supply ALL OUR NEEDS from His riches in glory because of what Christ Jesus has done for us.” (Philippians 4:19)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham