Philippians 3:14

New Living Translation

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

For Meditation

I love the way God writes scripts for the life of His children. Talk about tension. No writer comes close. That makes the Bible so pulsating—full of life.

The chief cupbearer takes his position before Pharaoh, enjoying the pleasantries of palace life. Two years have passed since Pharaoh restored him to his palace position from prison, and two years of a forgotten Joseph. But God was at work and moving His servant towards his assigned destination. Pharaoh was in the grip of the Omnipotent and next on His stage. 

God gave him one message in two dreams—the same way Joseph received his dreams in Canaan—and he triggered a search for a credible interpreter. Pharaoh’s magicians failed him, and that became the cue for the chief cupbearer to step back into the story. When the divine jolt touches a person, how can anyone continue sleeping on a vital mission to get God’s child out of any human jail? 

The palace emissary whisks Joseph from prison into the presence of a confused Pharaoh. He redirects Pharaoh to God as the only One who can give Pharaoh the meaning he seeks. Joseph interprets the dream with such depth of insight and wisdom that Pharaoh puts the mantle of the premiership of his nation on him (Genesis 41:37-39). 

“You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you” (40).

What a story? 

I wonder how Potiphar felt when Joseph became his boss. May that insight encourage you, whom people have offended multiple times, to keep your head up and your attitude fashioned in righteousness. But the best is yet to come.

Pharaoh’s dreams come to pass, and the ensuing drought brings Joseph’s entire family bowing at his knees, just as the Lord had revealed to him in his dreams. Isn’t God good?

Jacob dies (49:33), and Joseph’s brothers expect revenge (50:15), but Joseph has allowed his trials and temptations (James 1:2-4) to train him. He knows more of God’s providence and purposes to keep him humbled, so he calms the hearts of his brothers with these gracious words:

“Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children” (Genesis 50:19-21).   

What a man!

His godly and submissive attitude has taken him to the height of human glory and the honor of God. What else does Joseph need, and why should he pollute the atmosphere through vengeance and offend God?

Can this be your story?