Joseph: Empowered
Scripture Reading — Genesis 41:1-43
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
What an amazing day this was for Joseph! Within hours, he was transfigured from living in a dungeon, forgotten and seemingly without a future, to becoming a ruler in Egypt, second only to the king.
Look at him now! He wears fine robes, a golden chain, and Pharaoh’s own signet ring. This is 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 virtual omnipotence as second in command over Egypt, the superpower of its day. Now an entire kingdom awaited his command.
Why is power so important in this story? Without power, a redeemer cannot bring redemption. And God has chosen Joseph to be a powerful redeemer—for the sake of his people and as a pointer to Christ, the ultimate Redeemer from sin. With power, Joseph will be 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.
About the author — Kenneth D. Koeman
Rev. Ken Koeman is a pastor at Bellevue, Washington, Christian Reformed Church. He has written Today devotions in past years and has also authored numerous articles for The Banner, the magazine of the Christian Reformed Church. Ken and his wife, Kay, live in Bellevue and have two children and five grandchildren.
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