More Than Just Alive

They said to him, "Joseph's still alive!  He's actually ruler of all the land of Egypt!"


In today's reading from Genesis, I am in awe of the pace of God.  Within the larger narrative, it was not long ago that Joseph was lying face down in a ditch, left for dead by his brothers.  Now, just a few chapters later, Joseph has all the resources of Egypt at his disposal.  Even the mighty Pharaoh seems caught up in the joy of it all, as he appears almost giddy for his opportunity to take part in this remarkable story of reconciliation and blessing.  "Don't worry about your possessions," he tells them, "because you will have good things from the entire land of Egypt" (v. 20).

Did you catch that?  When the will of God is humbly carried forth in the lives of those whom He has called, then even the kings of this world will offer the best of what they have just to be a part of it.  Pharaoh's generosity was an unexpected twist, but is a magnificent reminder to us that God's resourcefulness knows no limitation.

I doubt very seriously that Joseph felt worthy or competent enough to keep up with all that God was doing in his life and in the lives of his people.  But imagine all that Joseph would have missed, and all those who would have gone hungry, had he decided to stay wallowing in the ditch.

Hmmm...

Thus, I say unto you:

"Don't be worried about the trip..." (v.24)

With Christ,
Darren