Genesis 41:40 

New King James Version (NKJV)

You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.”

For Meditation

 Those who heard these words from Pharaoh to Joseph heard only one part of his story—his exaltation in a foreign land before all those who mattered in the kingdom. What they did not hear was his torturous journey to that moment in his life.

More than that. None of the officials of Pharaoh had any idea about what God was doing, the outworking of his redemption story—a glorious story unfolding over the years. The story of Joseph was one piece of the narrative, and there was more to come. What seemed to be a personal story was not. God was telling the story of His Son through Joseph—a story that would embrace all His redeemed and, through its reading, instruct and build their faith in Him. So, for now, we extract one applicable truth of the grand story of Joseph for encouragement.

No one can keep God’s appointed servant down or kill their dream.

Though the detractors of the elect of God may cause them great harm, as they did several times to Joseph, God will keep His favor with them through the highs and lows of their lives.

Yahweh chose Joseph to bring the family of Abraham to incubate them into the nation He had promised him (Gen. 12:2). The Lord gave him dreams that showed the exaltation of his life that would bring Jacob and his family to Egypt, but his brothers missed it. Jealous of him, the brothers of Joseph did their worst to him, yet God was working to perfect the character of Joseph and, through his ordeals, to move the redemption story a notch forward. For Joseph, though, it was the workings of the divine plan and path to a glorious future and the salvation of many beyond his family (50:20).

As you celebrate Christmas, know that the Joseph story is part of the grand story of the baby in the manger. It is part of the redemption story of God that would culminate in the Messiah and the outworking of His grace toward us. As people despised Joseph and did everything to kill his dream by trying to get rid of him, so would they do everything to kill Jesus and truncate His mission. However, the purpose of God to save lives will always prevail (Gen. 50:20). He is the God who works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rm. 8:28). Therefore, no one can thwart His plan, the unfolding of His story in human history, in which, by grace, He blessed Joseph to be a participant.

Your life is a unique story in this grand work of God and will manifest someday for your good and His glory. Never forget that! So, keep the faith, and glorify the Lord in all you do. Amen.

Merry Christmas!

Pray with Me

I thank you, Father, for the outworking of your grace in my life. I rejoice in the truth that nothing can thwart your plan for me. May the birth of Christ remind me of this truth and strengthen my resolve to live for you until you come. In His glorious name, I pray, amen!