We have been following Joseph’s journey and know that it hasn’t been easy. He was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and then, despite his integrity in Potiphar’s house, he was falsely accused and thrown into a dungeon. But here is the key, the golden thread throughout Joseph’s life: The Lord was with him.
Divine Appointments in Dark Places
In Genesis chapter 40, we find Joseph in prison. But notice, he isn’t sitting in a corner pouting. He is serving. Two high-ranking officials from Pharaoh’s court—the chief butler and the chief baker—offend the king and end up in the same ward.
One morning, Joseph notices they look sad. Isn’t that like Joseph? Even in his own affliction, he has a heart for others. They each had a dream and didn’t know what they meant. Joseph tells them plainly, “Do not interpretations belong to God?” He doesn’t take the credit. He points them straight to the Lord.
- The Butler’s Dream: Three branches of a vine, grapes pressed into Pharaoh’s cup. Joseph says, “In three days, you’ll be restored.”
- The Baker’s Dream: Three baskets of bread on his head, but the birds ate them. Joseph has to give the hard word: “In three days, you will be executed.”
Everything happened exactly as Joseph said. The butler was restored, but he did the very thing we often do when things go well—he forgot. He forgot the man who helped him in the dark. Joseph spent two more years in that dungeon. Can you imagine the testing of his faith?
From the Dungeon to the Throne
In Genesis chapter 41, Pharaoh has a dream that shakes him. Seven fat cows are eaten by seven gaunt cows. Seven full heads of grain are devoured by seven withered ones. None of the “wise men” of Egypt can help. Finally, the butler remembers: “I remember my faults today.”
They rush Joseph out of the prison. He shaves, changes his clothes, and stands before the most powerful man on earth. Pharaoh says, “I hear you can interpret dreams.” I love Joseph’s response in Genesis 41:16:
“It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”
Joseph wasn’t looking for a platform; he was looking to be a witness. God reveals that seven years of great plenty are coming, followed by seven years of devastating famine.
Joseph doesn’t just give the problem; he gives the Spirit-led solution: “Find a wise man to store up 20% of the harvest during the good years.” Pharaoh looks at Joseph and sees the Spirit of God. In a moment, Joseph goes from the prison to the palace. He is made second-in-command over all Egypt.
Joseph as a Type of Christ
Students of the Word often see Joseph as a “type” or a beautiful picture of Jesus Christ.
- Rejected by his brothers, just as Jesus came to His own and His own received Him not.
- Suffered unjustly, just as Jesus, the innocent Lamb, suffered for sins He did not commit.
- Exalted to the right hand of the throne, just as God has highly exalted Jesus.
As Joseph saved the world from physical hunger, Jesus saves us from eternal death. At the name of Joseph, every knee had to bow in Egypt. And the Bible tells us that at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord.
Practical Application: The Purpose in the Process
You might be in a “prison” right now—a trial, a health crisis, or a season of waiting. You’re saying, “Lord, have You forgotten me?”
Understand this: God is never in a hurry. He was using those thirteen years of slavery and prison to “iron out” Joseph, preparing him for the weight of the crown. God is more interested in your character than your comfort. He is preparing you for eternity.
A Challenge for the Believer
Are you willing to give God the glory in your “palace” moments? When things go well, do we say “Look what I did,” or do we say, “It is not in me; God did this”? I challenge you this week to remain steadfast. Whether you are in the pit or the palace, let your life point people to the living God.
An Invitation to the Unbeliever
Perhaps you feel like the world is in a famine. You’ve tried to fill your heart with things that don’t satisfy, and you find yourself empty. There is only one “Bread of Life.”
Jesus Christ loved you so much that He came to this earth. He shed His precious blood on the cross to pay for every sin you have ever committed. He died, but three days later, He rose again! The resurrection proves He is who He said He is: Savior and Lord. He is alive today, and He wants to give you an “answer of peace and salvation.”
If you will turn from your sin and put your trust in Him, He will forgive you, change you, and give you a hope that the world cannot take away. Give your life to Him today.