The Spirit of God in His Servants

January 8, 2012

Lesson: Genesis 41:37–45, 50–52

Key Verse: Genesis 41:38

 aa

Introduction

Last week, we left Joseph in prison where, because of his honesty and abilities which the Lord had given him, all of the prisoners were under his care. And, because the Lord was with Joseph, whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper (Gen. 41:16).

Joseph was 17 years old when he was thrown into the pit by his brothers. He was bought by Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s guard. He grew in stature and soon became head of Potiphar’s household, until that time when Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of wanting to harm her. He was then thrown into prison. Joseph was 30 years old when he was sent for by Pharaoh. He was cleaned, shaved, and clothed. Pharaoh told Joseph of his dream, hearing that Joseph understood these kinds of dreams and was able to interpret them. Joseph again testified to the presence of the Lord God Almighty, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”

Joseph, by the power of the Holy Spirit, interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh. Joseph told Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do.”  God had a certain plan for Egypt in the redemption of His people. God would relieve the famine of Jacob and his people by supplying the need for food through Egypt. The interpretation is: There will first be seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine. The famine will be like the seven sickly cows and the seven thin heads of grain, for the famine will be very severe.

The Bible tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Joseph feared God, worshiping and depending upon Him alone for His salvation. God prepared Joseph for the day of deliverance. He told Pharaoh to prepare for the famine by appointing a wise man over the land of Egypt, with officers under him to gather one-fifth of the produce of the land in the seven plentiful years; kept in reserve for the years of famine. Joseph was appointed by Pharaoh to be over the house of Egypt, Pharaoh’s house. He took his signet ring and placed in on the finger of Joseph. Pharaoh said to Joseph: “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” It is recorded: “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 the land of Egypt” (41:46).

Discussion: How is it shown that the Lord was with Joseph during his time in Egypt?

 aa

Joseph is God’s Chosen Servant—Genesis 41:37–45, 50–52

Joseph’s wisdom came from the Lord. Joseph’s suggestion to Pharaoh was this: “Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. 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. And that food shall be for store in the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine” (Gen. 41:33–36).

This wisdom of Joseph’s “was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants. And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?” Do we not see how the true God providentially works through unbelievers, that they will seek men of great character, men who serve King Jesus, to serve in positions of authority in the nation?

Pharaoh spoke to Joseph: “Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: 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.” From the pit where his brothers had first thrown him, Joseph, in the providential will and purpose of the Lord, is placed in a position of authority that will be a blessing to Egypt and to Israel.

Pharaoh sets Joseph in authority under him: “See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.” Pharaoh then “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; 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 in Egypt. 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.”

Joseph began his life as ruler over all of Egypt under the Pharaoh. Pharaoh gave Joseph an Egyptian name, “Zaphnath-paaneah” (a revealer of secrets). Matthew Henry gives us these words for thought: “It was typical of the exaltation of Christ, that great revealer of secrets (John 1:18), or, as some translate Joseph’s new name, the Saviour of the world. The brightest glories of the upper world are put upon (Christ), the highest trust is lodged in his hand, and all power is given to him both in heaven and earth. He is gatherer, keeper, and disposer, of all the stores of divine grace, and chief ruler of the kingdom of God among men. The work of ministers is to cry before him, ‘Bow the knee; kiss the Son.’”

Joseph receives as his wife from Pharaoh, “Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On.” Joseph, armed with the authority of the Pharaoh, “went out over all the land of Egypt.” Born to Joseph and Asenath were two sons: “And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh (cause to forget); for God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house. And the second called he Ephraim (double fruit): for God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.” The Lord gave to His servant Joseph a country and a family by which he would see the presence and blessing of the Lord.

Discussion: How is the presence of the Spirit of God shown in the life of Joseph?

aa

Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2012 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.