From Prison To Power
I remember as a kid the scandal called “Watergate”. I was just old enough to know something was wrong. It is my understanding that five people connected with President Nixon and the republicans burglarized the Democratic National Committee headquarters and then the Nixon Administration tried to cover it up. When the dust cleared there were 69 people indicted and 48 of them were convicted – many of them from the Nixon Administration. Several people went from powerful positions in the government to prison terms with their rights stripped from them. The president resigned in shame and embarrassment.
In the story of Joseph, it was the opposite. Joseph was innocent but accused. He served time as a prisoner and had done nothing wrong. He continued to remain faithful to the Lord – even in prison with no rights. His spirit caught the eye of the Captain of the Guard and was his right-hand man. Joseph brought value to each person he met. There was something about him that was different – his deep relationship with God.
Pharaoh, King of Egypt had a couple of disturbing dreams and the cupbearer finally remembered Joseph in prison because Joseph had interpreted his and the baker’s dream. Joseph again gave the Lord credit for telling him the meaning of the dream. Joseph, not only interpreted the dreams, he gave wise suggestions about how the country should prepare for the 7 years of plenty and the 7 years of famine that followed. Check this out….
37 Joseph’s suggestions were well received by Pharaoh and his officials. 38 So Pharaoh asked his officials, “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?” 39 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. 40 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.”
41 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the entire land of Egypt.”42 Then Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and placed it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in fine linen clothing and hung a gold chain around his neck. 43 Then he had Joseph ride in the chariot reserved for his second-in-command. And wherever Joseph went, the command was shouted, “Kneel down!” So Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of all Egypt. 44 And Pharaoh said to him, “I am Pharaoh, but no one will lift a hand or foot in the entire land of Egypt without your approval.”(Genesis 41:37-44 NLT)
If Joseph was 17 at the time his brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt out of jealousy, he had spent 20 years being prepared for this moment. He was faithful to God in spite of his circumstances. He was kind to others in spite of his circumstances. When brought before the king, he was simply doing what he had always done – serve others.
Not just anyone could handle going from prison to power, but a man who is called to serve by God can manage. Power often destroys good people, but in this case, Joseph stayed consistent with who he was even though he had the power to exact vengeance. I wonder how Potipher felt when Joseph was made second to the king. I wonder how the cup bearer felt, having forgot about him for 2 years. Joseph obviously had integrity at the core of his being and it was noticed immediately. The scripture implies that the day he interpreted the dreams for Pharaoah and gave counsel to him was the day he was made 2ndin command. What a day that was for Joseph. He appears to continue his steady journey with the Lord in spite of his new position. He consistently walked in humble obedience, steady and deep faith in God. God had used his whole life to prepare him for that moment and he stepped into that position with profound success. There is no substitute for humbling following and seeking the heart of God. That is who I want to be every day – a humble, obedient servant of God who serves others. I believe there is great power in giving up my rights to serve the Lord and others.
Pressing On!
Dwayne