The day Joseph was summoned to the palace came unexpectedly. Two years prior, he hung his hope on the chief butler putting in a good word with Pharaoh so he could leave that dreadful place.
All Joseph wanted was to start over one more time. He’d done it before and was willing to do it again. But nothing changed about his circumstances. It had been two years since the butler was reinstated by Pharaoh, and yet Joseph languished.
Joseph didn’t receive any type of advance notice that he would be summoned to the palace on such-and-such a day. Theday started for Joseph just like the previous days – imprisoned. Two years after Joseph interpreted the butler and baker’sdreams, God caused Pharaoh to have a disturbing dream. He called for all Egypt’s magicians and wise men to interpret his dream but to no avail. Suddenly, the butler remembered Joseph and how he’d correctly interpreted the butler and baker’s dreams, sharing his experience with Pharoah. Joseph was hurriedly called to stand before Pharaoh, who shared with him the dream. Joseph responded with the interpretation, and in an instant, he was given a new purpose. Pharoah saw God’s favor, which had always been with Joseph, on his life at that moment. He understood Joseph was the man to step into the role of governor.
It didn’t matter that he’d been in prison. It didn’t matter that his brothers threw him in a pit. It didn’t matter that the butler hadn’t mentioned Joseph for two years. It didn’t matter that Potiphar’s wife lied. It didn’t matter that he’d been sold by his brothers. None of that mattered. He’d been catapulted into his new purpose!
28 This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh.29 Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:30 And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;31 And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous.32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.33 Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.36 And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’sname Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.46 And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. Genesis 41:28-46 (KJV)
In the Master’s Service,
Pastor/Author Michele D Robertson
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)