Nougat 23

Sometimes life sends unfair and we even wonder if God is aware of our plight. It might dissipate, and we celebrate, but sometimes it continues in that vein for a while. Joseph’s story is like that. But in response to Today’s Holy Nougat I say, “Look what the Lord has done!”

“Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find anyone else like this—one in whom is the spirit of God?” Moreover Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall lift up hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah; and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, as his wife. Thus Joseph gained authority over the land of Egypt.” ‭‭…” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭41‬:‭38, 44-45‬ ‭NRSV‬‬

Vindication

Siblings, there’s no doubt that Joseph the Dreamer is a great example of one whom life had done dirty. And coming from his background – it must have felt even worse.

He was the beloved child of his father Jacob, the first child of his dead mother’s womb, the eleventh of his dad’s twelve boys. As Rachel’s first born, Joseph enjoyed several privileges from his father, including exemption from regular duties and a special coat. Those two in particular proved to be his downfall.

His brothers, thinking they were getting rid of the problem, did him wrong; to the extent that Joseph landed in Egypt and a new round of misfortune struck. He even landed in jail on a trumped up charge. Life continued to overwhelm.

But

Had his brothers not chosen that moment to sell him into slavery rather than kill him, Joseph wouldn’t have arrived in Egypt:

God’s grace

Had Potiphar’s wife not thrown him in jail, Joseph would not have met the baker or the cupbearer:

God’s intervention

Had the baker not died, Joseph’s prophetic reputation would not have been revealed in Egypt

God’s Spirit

Had the cupbearer remembered him right away, they might not have been able to locate Joseph when pharaoh had his dream

God’s design

Had the cupbearer not been thrown in Joseph’s cell; he wouldn’t have been exposed to the accuracy of Joseph’s prophetic gifting

God’s timing

Had pharaoh not reinstated his cupbearer, then he wouldn’t even know where to find Joseph

God’s will

Had Joseph not accurately interpreted pharaoh’s dream, and offered such sage advice; Joseph would not have been promoted – exactly according to his dream and his father’s ambitions

God’s Purpose

Most of Joseph’s story is rife with negative events. Even the blessings seemed to be curses. But God vindicated Joseph. And, according to God’s will, You or someone you know who’s faced injustice might be vindicated too. We cannot lose faith, we cannot afford to lose our focus.

May our eyes remain fixed on Jesus despite.

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May all we seek be found in Christ