And now, back to our story of Joseph. If you missed the first part in February and March, (from pit to Potiphar to prison to the palace)—no problem. This last half of Joseph’s story is just as exciting.
We have come to the pinnacle of success for Joseph. God has placed him in a key position for Egypt which will also benefit the surrounding areas.
So Pharoah said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” Then Pharoah took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed Joseph in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. Genesis 41:41-42
Pharaoh went all out in making sure the people knew about Joseph and that he was second in command.
Pharaoh had Joseph ride in a chariot, and men shouted, “Make a way.” Genesis 41:43
Pharaoh also gave him a wife and an Egyptian name, but Scripture continues to refer to him as “Joseph.”
Earlier, I was trying to figure up how old Joseph might be by this time and there it was in the next verse.
Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of the Pharaoh, king of Egypt. And Joseph went out and traveled throughout Egypt.
During the seven years of abundance the land produced plentifully. Joseph collected all the food produced in the seven years and stored it in the cities. He stored huge quantities of grain like the sands of the sea; it was so much that he stopped keeping records because it was beyond measure. Genesis 41:46-49
A great harvest indeed, His own household grew as well. His wife, Asenath, bore him two sons and, in traditional Hebrew fashion, he named them intentionally for the meaning of their names.
Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” The second son he named Ephraim and said, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.” Genesis 41:51-52
Let’s pause at this point to consider Joseph’s mindset. Perhaps, like Queen Esther, Joseph was beginning to see that, while his life experiences had been tragic and depressing, God intended them for good. Joseph grew in knowledge, patience, and experience. He faced challenges and oppressive days.
Like Joseph, may I encourage you to consider ways that God has grown you in the last few months. Think of lessons learned from the challenges, failures, or dark days of your life. Give thanks for what he has taught you, ways he has helped you to overcome, ways he moved in your life in spite of the circumstances.
What “God-incidents” are you willing to share in the comment section at the bottom of this page? It would so encourage other readers.
~ Joyce ~