May 2021
Nougat 8
I was listening to a testimony recently and someone’s response was ‘Look at God!’ I had to concur – the hand of God was clearly woven in the testimony of transformation. Today’s Holy Nougat
“Then Pharaoh gave Joseph a new Egyptian name, Zaphenath-paneah. He also gave him a wife, whose name was Asenath. She was the daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On. So Joseph took charge of the entire land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:45 NLT
Named originally in respect of his mother’s womb finally being opened, Joseph loosely translates the Hebrew idea that God added (a child to her barrenness). Ironically it can also suggest taken/taking away (the reproach of being barren). Within the context of his Hebrew name, we see the fulfillment of his mother’s ambitions in yet another way. He eventually added life to his family’s years during the 7-year famine, AND wherever he went, he added a blessing to his context. But, he was also taken away; from ALL he knew and loved. In actuality, Joseph had to be taken away in order to add! That’s God’s mathematics!
Which takes us to Egypt. Despite adding value in all spheres in which he operated, whether in Potiphar’s household or in prison, both places also took from him, albeit as part of his refining. Being brought to pharaoh’s palace saw Joseph receiving the returns on what was taken away. To him was added the greatest political honor – full rulership of Egypt (like a prime minister serving under the reigning regent), a wife (Asenath, daughter of the high priest), and a new name. Let’s quickly explore the significance of each.
On his arrival in Egypt, Joseph served Potiphar, who seems to have been the ‘prime minister’ under the then pharaoh. A series of events promoted him to prison, for there was a divine encounter awaiting him there. His most significant promotion was to the palace, where all he learned from his mentor Potiphar would hold him in good stead for Potiphar’s own job (or possibly accorded even more powerful).
Look at God!
There’s some debate about Asenath’s true identity – rabbinical literature suggests she was Dinah’s daughter from Shechem, abandoned at the Egyptian border, and adopted by Potiphera; other pundits suggest that she was Potiphera’s natural daughter with her own gifts of divination; while others suggest that she may have been Potiphar’s daughter. Now wouldn’t that last possibility have been ironic! In any case, this wife of Joseph blesses his life with at least two children who are incorporated into the leadership lineage of Israel.
Look at God
And then there’s the matter of Joseph‘a new name, Zaphenath-paneah. Albeit an Egyptian name, Zaphenath-paneah (God speaks and lives) suggests that Joseph has come into his own. Some ten years plus after his family scoffed at his prophetic calling, Joseph’s gifting was fully recognized and affirmed.
Look at God
Now I cannot emphasize enough that God’s desire for us is NOT for the manifestation of human wickedness in our lives. Far from it! However, we might (in hindsight) find that the ashes of our worst experience could be the fertilizer for our greatest blessings (see Isaiah 61:1-3 for The Beauty from/for Ashes concept).
So in our greatest despair, might I suggest once again, albeit in a somewhat different context –
Look at God!
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May all we seek be found in Christ