GENESIS 41:37-45

Joseph now came to the greatest test of his life thus far—exaltation and prosperity.

The hands that had known the hard toil of a slave were now adorned by the king’s ring. Joseph’s feet had been freed from the torment of the fetters, and now a gold chain was put around his neck.

Joseph had lost his coat of many colors 13 years earlier when his brothers took it from him in anger and jealousy. Later, he had left his outer garment behind in the hands of Potiphar’s wife when he had fled from her.

But now he was given a royal wardrobe of fine linen. Once Joseph was treated as offscouring by the Egyptians, but now all Egypt was commanded to bow before him as he rode on the second chariot as the prime minister of Egypt.

All of this took place because Joseph sought to please God and resisted the temptation to sin. Rather than gratifying the flesh, Joseph sought to glorify God. Joseph found that godliness paid great dividends.

He experienced the truth of the principle later stated in Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy (1 Tim. 6:17).

Theodore Epp
www.backtothebible.in