02-Sep-2024 – You cannot expect the ways of God

Published by Bro. Sunil Binkam on September 2, 2024September 2, 2024

Genesis 37:28 – “Then they drew and lifted Joseph out of the pit and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they brought Joseph to Egypt.”

As part of our theme, “God Prepares a Way,” today God speaks to us through the life of Joseph. Joseph was born to Jacob in his old age, and by the time his brothers sold him, he was seventeen years old. He was dearly loved by his father, who gifted him a coat of many colors. Joseph had recurring dreams, which we know were indications of his calling from God.

Joseph had a calling ordained before he was born. God had foretold Abraham about the future slavery of his descendants and how He would give them the land from the river of Egypt to the river of Euphrates. Joseph was chosen as an instrumental part of this divine plan.

But if we meditate on Genesis 37:28, we don’t see any indication of God’s plan for conquering the promised land. Instead, we see one man, Joseph, being sold to the Ishmaelites and brought to Egypt’s slave market. If we observe the following sequences:

Genesis 37:36 – “And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, and captain of the guard.”

First, Joseph was sold again, this time as a slave to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. As a slave, Joseph had no will, no desires of his own. Yet, God’s grace was with him. That grace enabled Joseph to receive favor and compassion from his master.

Genesis 39:20 – “And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.”

Next, Joseph was thrown into prison. As a slave, he had no value, no will, and no desires. Now, as a prisoner, he had no hope. Through Joseph’s eyes, he had once been the most beloved son of his father. Now, he had no one. Once, he enjoyed the privilege of wearing a colorful coat; now, he wore a prisoner’s attire. He had once been cherished by his father, but now he had no value.

Genesis 39:22 – “And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.”

But God was with Joseph even in prison. The keeper of the prison entrusted all the prisoners to Joseph, making him the supervisor. Later, the cupbearer and the chief baker were imprisoned, and Joseph interpreted their dreams, which came true exactly as he had said. Yet, the cupbearer forgot about Joseph.

Genesis 41:12 – “And there was there with us a young Hebrew, a servant of the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted our dreams to us; each man according to his dream, he interpreted.”

Finally, the time came for Joseph to enter Pharaoh’s court to interpret the king’s dream. By God’s grace, Joseph correctly interpreted the dream, and what did Pharaoh do?

Genesis 41:41 – “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, ‘See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.'”

Now, Joseph became the ruler of Egypt. He had once dreamt of being a ruler, receiving a promise from God that his family would bow before him. At that time, there seemed no possibility for this to happen. But God made a way for Joseph by bringing him as a slave to Egypt.

In your life, you might have received a promise from God regarding your career, family, ministry, or other areas. Right now, there may be no signs of hope or even a shadow of possibility. But don’t give up. Our God creates a way in the most unexpected circumstances. God’s plan never fails. Today, through the life of Joseph, God reminds and encourages us to remain hopeful, even in distressing situations, because He is working to fulfill the promise He gave to you.

Prayer:

Dear loving Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and grace. Thank you for reminding us today of your unexpected and non-standard ways of fulfilling your promises. Help us to understand this truth. Even when things seem to go against your calling, we trust that the One who called us is faithful, and He will open a way for us. Help us stand on this truth by faith. I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!