Nougat 24

What do people see when we operate under God’s directive? Particularly those of a different faith practice. Hopefully, it will be similar to pharaoh’s response in Today’s Holy Nougat

“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

A Sure Witness

Some umpteen years later, despite all he faced, Joseph was counted as one in whom God’s Spirit dwells bountifully. It was total vindication. At least in regard to his unfair imprisonment by Potiphar. Sure, he’d languished in prison; but he pressed forward in Faith, and when it mattered, he was found faithful.

So faithful that pharaoh, supreme ruler of Egypt, considered a demigod by many, offered him an upgrade from prisoner to prime minister! Joseph’s words counted for a lot. In fact, from the looks of things, this promotion from pharaoh was placing him in authority over Potiphar, his former boss! Of course, Potiphar and his wife had served their purpose, so they’re not really included in this part of the story.

More striking than that for me however, is pharaoh’s comment – “Can we find anyone else like this—one in whom is the spirit of God?” Those words were not lightly spoken. For at the least, it would suggest that Joseph was viewed by pharaoh as his equal (or something close, given Joseph’s interpretation and humility), maybe even as one who was more powerful spiritually.

This voiced affirmation, is likely to be the result of Joseph’s bold declaration in verse 16. Joseph was abundantly clear that the interpretation of pharaoh’s dream came from God, not Joseph. Obviously, the Wisdom internet in Joseph’s interpretation was proof positive of Elohim’s Spirit resting on Joseph.

Siblings, we are also called to be sure witnesses to God’s presence and anointing over our lives. I suspect we might not have remained as open as Joseph had we endured his testing. May God’s Spirit be evident in our lives at all times.

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May all we seek be found in Christ