Genesis 40-41: Oh Little Joe

           We left off in Genesis 39 with God radically providing for Joseph even though he was in the lamest of situations. Framed and jailed, God had plans for Joseph. We have greatest hindsight – seeing, learning, and knowing God’s character through the Old Testament gives us this understanding of our Abba that is unparalleled. He is the Provider. He knows beginning to end. 

Even though Joe is thrown into prison, he is given responsibilities and opportunities to literally be a light in a dungeon (prisons aren’t really like they are now). By God’s grace Joe is quickly learned to be quite the dream interpreter, not only to fellow prisoners but eventually to Pharaoh as well. It is through this unique God-given gift that Joe is eventually released from prison and given a huge role.

“Isn’t this the man we need? Are we going to find anyone else who has God’s spirit in him like this? […]God has given you the inside story—no one is as qualified as you in experience and wisdom. From now on, you’re in charge of my affairs; all my people will report to you. Only as king will I be over you.” (Gen. 41:38-40)

For someone who got the raw end of the deal, God surely took care of Joseph. He used Joe in the most terrible of circumstances and took care of him.  In our most dire of circumstances, are we willing to continue to lay our lives down for His Kingdom – that His name be made more famous? It is not that we gain prosperity by being willing to suffer for his cause – but it is that our perspective is made much more grand when we place our whole lives into His hands and know that His plan and His Story is so much more awesome and beautiful then one that we could even write on our own.