Powerless to Powerful
Pharaoh took his signet ring … and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. Genesis 41:42
It was approximately 13 years between when Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, and the day he was made vice-regent to the pharaoh of Egypt.
The day finally came when he was transformed from living in a dungeon, forgotten and seemingly without a future, to becoming a ruler in Egypt, second only to the king. What an amazing day that was for Joseph!
He went from wearing rags to the finest robes, a golden chain around his neck, and Pharaoh’s own signet ring. This was nothing less than a totally amazing transformation, showing what God can do. Indeed, this picture points us again to Christ, who, after suffering the depths of hell on a cross for our sake, died and was buried, and then was resurrected to life and ascended to the heights of heaven—all by God’s command.
Joseph journeyed from powerlessness in prison to wielding immense power as second in command over Egypt, the superpower of its day. An entire kingdom awaited his every command.
Why is power so important in this story? Without power, a redeemer cannot bring redemption. And God had chosen Joseph to be a powerful redeemer—for the sake of his people. God used Joseph to save His people from starvation. Joseph was a foreshadow of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Redeemer from sin, death and evil.
With God’s power, Joseph was able to save many lives—and that is the truest and best purpose of power, with God’s blessing.
Father, in a culture that worships power for all kinds of imperfect reasons, transform our understanding and help us to do Your will. Help us to use whatever positions of influence You have given us to do good, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Inspired by a Today Devotion