On January 5, I stated to you, the church, that I have committed to read the entire Old Testament in a year and that I was “going smaller, to go deeper.” This new way of reading the Word has become very fascinating and I am learning a lot.
On Wednesday, as I was reading in Genesis, I stumbled upon some very insightful commentary regarding Joseph. The commentary I read was in reference to Genesis 41:38-40.
Genesis 41:38-40 reads, “So Pharaoh asked his officials, ‘Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?’ Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are. You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours.’”
This portion of scripture is referencing the blessing that Pharaoh had given to Joseph for his ability to interpret his dreams. For the first time in Joseph’s life, he was now being blessed for his faith and commitment to the Lord.
Prior to this time, Joseph had endured countless trials and tribulations at the hands of his brothers and at the hands of Potiphar and his deceitful and manipulative wife. Joseph was kidnapped by his brothers. He was sold into slavery. He was then lured and falsely accused of rape. He then spent time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
From the outside, it would appear that Joseph’s life was one continuous mess. His life was full of hardship, and the hope of a bright and successful future were all but gone. However, Joseph stayed committed and faithful. Joseph didn’t waiver when all hope was gone. He endured and, in the end, God blessed him beyond his wildest dreams.
Joseph didn’t retaliate against anyone who had done him wrong. In fact, he did the exact opposite, he provided for those who had mistreated him. He lived a hard life, and his past experiences could’ve easily made him lose hope.
So, what can we learn from this? What lesson can we take from the life of Joseph? According to the commentary in my “Every Man’s Bible,” in reference to this chapter and these verses, it says the following, “The primary quality about Joseph that Pharaoh mentioned was his dependence on God. He ignored the fact that Joseph had a questionable past, colored rumors, and a long-term prison sentence. Pharaoh could see that God’s Spirit was in Joseph…We may believe that our past has destroyed any hope of a prosperous future. But when we give ourselves to God, asking for his help, no past is too terrible or dark to overcome.”  
Have a great day, church! We look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday!
Pastor Jason