Scripture: Genesis 41:37-57
INTRODUCTION
Sometimes the purpose of our calling is greater than us. It is more than we can think or imagine. We cannot determine what happens to us. We can only submit to what it makes us. M.R. Dehaan shares the tale of a little piece of wood that once complained bitterly because its owner kept whittling away at it, cutting it, and filling it with holes, but the one who was cutting it so remorselessly paid no attention to its complaining. Little did the piece of wood know that there was a product in mind; a project that would one day be used to bless and help others.
Many times, we might read the Old Testment narratives and become intrigued at the characters, without recognizes that God is the main character. He is actively interested in human history. In our story, God holds the knife and Joseph is that piece of wood. We have seen a teenager go from enemy, to slave, to prisoner. After years of perseverance, Joseph is about to reap the fruit of his faithfulness to God. His life was to take a dramatic turn. Hopefully, you see this in a message I’ve entitled, “From Rags to Riches.” Why did Joseph’s life take a turn for the better? First, we learn that…
I. THE GOOD FORTUNE IN JOSEPH’S LIFE WAS DUE TO GOD’S SPIRIT IN HIM.
Genesis 41:37 Now the proposal seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his servants. 38 Then Pharaoh said to his servants, "Can we find a man like this, in whom is a divine spirit?" 39 So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has informed you of all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you are. 40 "You shall be over my house, and according to your command all my people shall do homage; only in the throne I will be greater than you." 41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "See I have set you over all the land of Egypt." One of Joseph’s perks was the possession of Pharaoh’s signet ring. This ring represented the king’s signature. It was used to seal official documents. Although Pharaoh was considered the Emperor, so to speak, Joseph was now one of his vice-presidents. The actual title that Joseph could have held was “Overseer of the Granaries of Upper and Lower Egypt.”
Joseph obtained this position by not only interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, but also providing a solution to the problem. This solution took the form of a clever taxation policy hinted at in verse 34: “Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. …This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine."
Think, for a moment of how far God brought Joseph. He was once a slave then demoted to a prisoner. Here, in one conversation with Pharaoh, he climbs to second in command of the kingdom. J.H. Breasted notes: “One will see that [this position] is the great supervisor of all Egypt and that all government activities are under his control. In fact there is no important state activity which does not relate to his authority.” This is truly the work of God.
Notice that Joseph’s climb to fame or prestige was not due to his clout, popularity or even intellect. In some cases, it is who you know, that gets you the position; in most cases it is what you know. But in this account, it is who knew Joseph. God knew Joseph and His Spirit dwelt within him. Therefore, he was able to interpret dreams in a prophetic way. In the Ancient Near Eastern Egypt, it was believed that the gods spoke through dreams and one who could interpret dreams was especially anointed by the gods. Joseph uses his situation to draw attention to the God of the Hebrews.
In a similar way, though to a lesser degree, each Christian is indwelt by the Spirit of God. As a result of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the Spirit of Christ comes into a believer’s life to indwell Him. Jesus spoke of the Spirit’s role in convicting, counseling and guiding in John 14. Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us… How many of us are living life as if we are living for ourselves? And so, I wonder how much success we miss out on because we do not recognize that our lives should be filled with the Spirit of God. Joseph decided early on to live for God. So we too must make the decision that our life’s purpose is to glorify God because of what Christ did for us. Psalm 86:12 I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and will glorify Thy name forever. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Joseph served God in the good times and in the bad. Too often we will serve God when it is convenient for us, or when things are going our way. But this young Hebrew functions as an example of patience for you and me. He mimics the attitude of Christ who prayed in the garden, shortly before going to the cross, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” Joseph’s promotion by Pharaoh was not isolated from the larger calling that God had on his life. Furthermore, God was not placing Joseph in this high position for himself, or as a payment for all of the misery he had been through. Rather…
II. GOD PROMOTED JOSEPH IN ORDER TO SAVE MANY LIVES.
Note verse 53 When the seven years of plenty which had been in the land of Egypt came to an end, and the seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said, then there was famine in all the lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
God used Joseph, and gave him the interpretations, so that the lives of many would be saved. The purpose of Joseph being placed as prime minister of Egypt was bigger than his ambitions. In fact, to ask Joseph if he wanted this position, you may have gotten a different answer than yes. Rather, God placed him in this position, because it was His will.
And why was it God’s will? Could it be because Joseph knew how valuable compassion was, since he spent three long years in prison unjustly? Could it be Joseph knew the value of food in the time of famine, having been subject to a slave and prisoner’s diet for a while? Or could it be that it was best for Egypt that one of God’s chosen be in the position of authority? All of this is speculation, but we cannot miss the fact that Joseph was the best person for the position, according to God’s plan. His presence in Egyptian government would form a political situation to prosper the Hebrews for the next 400 years; until God chose to deliver them from the land.
I recall a minister friend of mine making a very interesting comment, when posed with an opportunity to change settings. My friend said, “I won’t be moving because I want to.” That was profound to me. It taught me that there are more important things in life than our desires. Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Community Church, wrote: “It’s not about you. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose.”
CONCLUSION
Today, we have learned of Joseph’s life, that his promotion was due to God’s Spirit working in Him. Furthermore, it was not for his comfort and pleasure. Rather, God promoted Joseph in order to save many lives.
Remember that piece of wood? Our account continues of the …little piece of wood once complained bitterly because its owner kept whittling away at it, cutting it, and filling it with holes, but the one who was cutting it so remorselessly paid no attention to its complaining. He was making a flute out of that piece of ebony, and he was too wise to desist from doing so, even though the wood complained bitterly. He seemed to say, “Little piece of wood, without these holes, and all this cutting, you would be a black stick forever- just a useless piece of ebony. What I am doing now may make you thing that I am destroying you, but, instead, I will change you into a flute, and your sweet music will charm the souls of men and comfort many a sorrowing heart. My cutting you is the making of you, for only thus can you be a blessing in the world. Atheist Bertrand Russell once said, “Unless you assume a god, the question of life’s purpose is meaningless.” But when you know Christ; and Christ claims you as His own, the purpose of your existence far exceeds your ability to understand. Let us pray.
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