Elevated From the Pit to the Palace
It was evident to others that the Spirit of the Lord dwelled in Joseph. His thoughts, words, and actions were bathed in an awareness of God’s presence. Proverbs 20:11 says that even a child is known by his actions. Joseph is a beautiful example of righteous living and godly wisdom. We also are the dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit. We may be the only Bible some people will ever read. Joseph went from the pit…to the prison…and eventually to the palace. He prospered because the Lord was with him. What choices can you make today to make sure the Lord is with you?
Read Genesis 41:33-36
1. How did Joseph advise Pharaoh after interpreting his dreams?
Read Genesis 41:37-40
2. How did Pharaoh and his officials respond to Joseph’s advice?
3. What did Pharaoh recognize in Joseph that distinguished him from others?
4. Describe how Joseph’s life was changed in a moment of time.
Read Exodus 33:15-16
5. What distinguished Moses and Israel from other people in the world?
Read Genesis 41:41-44
6. What symbols did Pharaoh give to show show he was transferring his authority to Joseph? How much authority did Joseph have in the land of Egypt?
In a moment of time, Joseph became second in command to Pharaoh. King David declared that God stooped down to make him great. That’s what happened here as Pharaoh’s signet ring, gold chain, and linen robe symbolized transferring royal authority to Joseph. Isn’t it interesting that while Joseph’s brothers stripped him of the colorful robe that distinguished him as their father’s favorite, he is later given a royal robe of authority by Pharaoh himself! This is a story of dreams, interpretations and fulfillments. It shows the providence of God in every situation, even through unjust suffering. Each of us at some time has probably exclaimed that life is not fair. Joseph’s story shows us how God works everything out for good. To have a Joseph spirit is to persevere no matter what, even in the face of injustice and cruelty. James 1:2-3 says we can rejoice in our suffering because it produces perseverance which produces character which produces hope, and that hope will not disappoint us. I love how Oswald Chambers puts it. “Perseverance is our supreme effort of refusing to believe that our hero is going to be conquered. It is endurance combined with absolute assurance and certainty that what we are looking for is going to happen.”Are you persevering today?
Joseph advised Pharaoh to appoint officers over the land of Egypt and it would be during the seven years of plenty – the people would gather all the food of those good years and put it under the hand of Pharaoh – they would keep food in the cities – this would be for the seven years of famine which was going to be in Egypt – Joseph told him that the land would not perish through the famine – this was GOD’s hand and HIS work. Pharaoh liked what Joseph was saying and telling Him and his servants what to do – Pharaoh realized that GOD has showed these dreams – Joseph had the Spirit of GOD in him and obeyed what GOD was saying at all times. Pharaoh realized that GOD was working through Joseph and Pharaoh wanted Joseph to be over his house and according to GOD’S rules – he would only be on the throne. The thing that distinguished them was that the people had found grace in GOD”S sight.
The first symbol Pharaoh gave was his ring from his hand and he put it on Joseph’s hand – then had Joseph in vestures of fine linen – then put a gold chain around his neck – Pharaoh had Joseph ride in the chariot after him – bowed his knee and Pharaoh made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. Pharaoh tells Joseph – no man shall lift up his hand or foot in all of the land of Egypt – Joseph was going to be second in all the land of Egypt – because of GOD’S ways and wishes.
Love this lesson also – you and I can have things in our lives each day as long as we are dwelling under the hand of GOD and doing HIS will in our lives – and I believe also that sometimes you and I are the only ways that other people see GOD moving – we really are HIS BIBLE for other people in this old world. Thanks – Karen – this was so good – I always want my life to be in the center of GOD’S will at all times – helping lead other people to see the wonderful ways of GOD.