Joseph, Jacob’s son, endured the rejection of his brothers, slavery in Egypt and imprisonment, but God used his suffering to empower him to govern Egypt. Even though he was sold into slavery, he did honorable work and gained the respect of Potiphar, his boss. Through false accusations Joseph spent many years in prison, but again he was honorable and became assistant to the warden. When no one could interpret the Pharaoh’s dreams, he learned that a man in the dungeon, Joseph, could interpret dreams. Quickly he was brought to the king and asked to interpret the dreams. He said he could not, but God would give him the answers he wanted. Joseph said of the dreams that Egypt would have seven years of prosperity but seven years of famine would follow. During the good years, Joseph recommended that extra grain be stored for the years of famine. Pharaoh trusted no one more than Joseph and put him in charge of the grain collection in the first seven years and the distribution of food during the famine.
Joseph Prophesied About the Exodus
Before Joseph died at 110 he said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place” (Genesis 50:24-25).
Four hundred years passed and the Pharaoh at that time did not know anything about Joseph. The Israelites had grown into a great nation in Egypt, and the Pharaoh made slaves of them to build cities like Ramses. God heard the cries of his people and sent Moses to rescue them from hard labor.
Finally Home
All the years Israel was in Egypt, God’s people could not worship Him. “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me'” (Exodus 8:1). The king was not easily convinced, but when he finally let Israel go, Joseph’s bones were carried back to Canaan. Imagine! All those forty years in the wilderness someone was responsible for Joseph’s bones! And he was finally laid to rest with his fathers in Shechem.
Joseph’s last will and testament made me think of what I want to happen when I die. To be honest, it doesn’t matter to me where they put my bones. What I care about is crossing the Jordan on that day into Paradise to be with the Lord. My longings to see Jesus Face to face will be accomplished, and I will serve in the house of the Lord forever.
Prayer
Holy Lord, merciful Father, King of the universe, guide us safely through the wilderness of this world and home to be with You. May our days on earth be acceptable in your sight and may we hear you say, “Well done!” In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Closer Walk with God 