JOSEPH: FROM PRISON TO PALACE

Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh – Genesis 41:14

Joseph journeyed with Jehovah through the seasons of silence, slavery, sentence, significance and shining. We’ve noted his experiences in the phases of Persecution, the Pit, and Potiphar’s house; the latter being the place of preparation, through the tests of prosperity, temptation, and false accusation. There, he learnt practical lessons in holiness, discipline, and the fear of God. His victory over the temptation of sexual allurement was ironically followed by false accusation that landed him in fresh adversity. Immediately awaiting him was the Prison and ultimately the Palace.

The Prison was the place of Patience where Joseph leant how opportunity comes out of adversity. Like Potiphar, the keeper of the prison soon discovered him to be a prisoner of rare quality (Gen.39:20-23). With his correct interpretation of the butler’s dream, hopes of release ran high, only to be dashed once again: “Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him” (Gen.40:23). For two bitter years, God seemed unsympathetic and unconcerned: “until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him” (Psa.105:19). Pharaoh’s dream stirred the butler’s sluggish memory.

Joseph was summoned from the dungeon to stand before Pharaoh. Promptly, the prisoner was ushered into the palace with a change of clothing. Prison rags gave way to royal garments. This was the moment for which thirteen years of deepening adversity had been preparing him. Joseph’s gift made room for him (v.38; Pro.18:16). In turn, the gift of the king’s signet ring signified bestowal of legal authority. The linen garments symbolized nobility. He lost his slave-garment to Potiphar’s wife but earned the right to draw on the royal wardrobe. The golden chain indicated investment with dignity and honour.

At only thirty years old, honour, authority and influence were thrust upon the once discredited slave. Godliness did pay. Joseph was SOLD as a slave; but from divine perspective, he was actually SENT by God: “HE SENT a man before them –Joseph – who was sold as a slave…The king sent and released him, the ruler of the people let him go free (Psa.105:17, 20). Even then, elevated to the highest position in the world of his day, Joseph passed the test of advancement. His moral and spiritual equilibrium remained balanced. The disciplines of the hidden years had not been wasted. In the Palace – the place of perfection – Joseph learned the power of forgiveness on seeing the Big Picture.

Now at last Joseph could see unfolding before his amazed eyes the mysterious plan of God. The links in the chain of providence became clear. His imprisonment was the essential step to his advancement. His spirit had been tempered in the fires of tribulation. With rare business acumen and strategic ability he successfully carried Egypt through the crisis of famine. In God’s providence he became the saviour not only of Egypt but a great portion of the known world, and the preserver of the posterity of Israel’s lineage (Gen.45:5-8). God has a purpose, plan and place for you. May you never miss them!