37] this proposal pleased pharaoh and all his servants. 38] and pharaoh said to his servants, “can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” 39] then pharaoh said to joseph, “since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. 40] you shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” — [genesis 41:37-40]
this passage is easily among the most beautiful moments in scripture. here we see joseph’s redemption from years of slavery and imprisonment, and a fulfillment of a dream from his childhood. his desire to serve and honor God has led him to a position of immense power and responsibility.
as pharaoh proclaims, ‘can we find a man like this?’ we can find a cause for celebration that joseph is finally being noticed! this good and godly man is finally getting recognition! at the same time, it can prove difficult not to be bitter about the past.
as pharaoh speaks, there is a part of me that is crying out; of course you can find a man like joseph! he has been here all along, faithful, wise, and honest, rotting away in confinement while others around him profited!
how often do we feel overlooked as others are recognized for less? in those moments, turned to years, have we really been forgotten?
joseph’s story presents us with the answer, and the answer is a resounding ‘no’! while it can be easy to focus on what was, or even what is, our focus remains the glorious future that awaits all believers, and living an abundant, spirit-filled life through the victory that is ours in Christ.
in every moment, high or low, joseph consistently gave God the glory for his gift, and God used that gift to place joseph in a position to do God’s will. thousands of years later, God continues to speak to us through the story of joseph, and if we remain faithful, he will speak through our lives as well.
~ jason soroski