I have intentionally used the language of Christology (“humiliation” and “exaltation”) to describe Joseph. As we saw yesterday, his life had a painful downward bent to it. Sold into slavery, falsely imprisoned, forgotten in prison, he went down… down… down. But God is at work and redemption is at hand. In this series of chapters, we see Joseph going, up…up…up. He is in the upward side of the J-curve. (Again, I am not suggesting that Joseph knew about who Jesus would be, or that we should overlook his unique historical contribution, but this is the pattern of how God’s works redemption in the Bible.) We also want to notice that when he is exalted to the second highest position of power in Egypt, it has the effect of offering a form of salvation to both his family and to the Egyptians. Joseph’s God-given insight and natural wisdom cause him to save grain in the years of plenty that will feed people in the years of famine. This offers the Egyptian people an escape from famine. But it also becomes the means by which the people of Israel find relief. Their circumstances were so dire that they journeyed to Egypt “that we may live and not die” (Gen 42:2). When they arrive, God has already gone before them and prepared their salvation through the life and ministry of Joseph.
Reflect: In what ways in God calling you to be a channel of blessing to others? Like Joseph (and Jesus), this could prove to be a costly endeavor for you.
Connect: Ministry brings life to others, but often means suffering for the “minister.” But good news, God wins in the end.
2 Cor. 4:11-12 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.