As Lord

by Iain T.H. Hunter, Edinburgh, Scotland | Category: Life Of Joseph | Sept 1995

False Condemnation and Imprisonment - 'His feet they hurt with fetters; his soul entered into the iron' (Ps. 105: 18 RVM).

Joseph's sufferings brought bitter sorrow; he had done no wrong. Falsely accused as an immoral criminal, misunderstood and misrepresented, he bore with godly dignity painful confinement in that miserable 'pit hole' (Heb.)

To regain his former freedom would have been a priceless privilege. Two years of grievous chastening 'the word of the LORD tried him' (Ps. 105:19) must have made the promised intervention by the chief buyer, a debt as yet unpaid, seem by natural prospects dim indeed. If human pity alone had rescued him, the glorious future that lay ahead would have been lost for ever. In ways yet unknown to Joseph God's hand was controlling all; His presence was there in the prison with him (c.f. Acts 7:9). God directed that his faithfulness, ability and strength of character should find favour with the prison governor, and he was given a remarkable degree of delegated authority (Gen. 40:4).

Man may forget, but God never forsakes nor fails His own (Is. 49:15). 'When a man's ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be a peace with him' (Prov. 16:7). Joseph was being fitted by God for elevation to full control, not of the prison, but of a kingdom.

There is brought before us a remarkable chain of providential events, culminating in God's objective for Joseph being fully realized. Joseph is a clear type of the Lord in the circumstances that surrounded His life on earth, and the honour and glory that now belong to Him.

The narrative unfolds to tell of Pharaoh's dreams, of the butler's admission of forgetfulness, of Joseph's rapid release from prison, and of accepted advice. Joseph, not embittered, emerged without blemish on his noble character, though the dungeon's scars would remain. How remarkable that an imprisoned alien should in one day be summoned from languishing in unmerited disgrace to the exalted splendour of a royal palace. Joseph, with his God-given wisdom, and with due humility, first gives all glory and honour to God (Gen. 41:16). The wisdom of this world had proved unavailing. Such divine providence shows forth the unfolding of God's plan and His 'answer of peace' for Pharaoh, his people and the world.

Exalted to a Place of Authority:

'Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings

not... obscure (RYM) men' (Prov. 22:29). God's plan through His unsearchable wisdom rapidly matured. Pharaoh said of Joseph, 'Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?' To Joseph he said, 'Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou' (Gen. 41: 38,39).

The changeful years o'er that fair slave fled fast:

Behold him now in glorious chariot riding,

Arrayed in shining vesture, and presiding

O'er Egypt's councils - owned by heaven at last.

In pit or palace, God's own hand was weaving

The 'many-coloured' texture of his days,

The brightest things till last in wisdom leaving.

Richard Wilton

Here was exaltation and restored dignity of no ordinary kind. At thirty years of age God's man was doing God's business, binding Egypt's princes at his pleasure and teaching his elders wisdom (Ps. 105:22). 'He that humbleth himself shall be exalted' (Luke 14:11).

Joseph, now the trusted and all powerful statesman, undertook the planned management of the whole economy of the most powerful nation at that time ~s. 105:21). Had some of his great grandfather's wisdom and ability come down to him? In Joseph we see a striking type of the sufferings of the Christ and the glory that must follow, when at God's appointed time He takes His great power and reigns. Before Joseph, the exalted son of Shem, the sons of Ham prostrate themselves; before Jesus Christ every knee shall bow and confess that He is Lord (Phil 2:10,11). On the throne of His glory with all honour bestowed upon Him, the Lord will express before the world the power and wisdom of God in all His administration.

Joseph's new name, Zaphenathpaneah, can be interpreted as 'revealer of secrets/saviour of the age'. During the seven plenteous years he laid up corn as the sand of the sea' a vast treasury and storehouse of blessing. Then in famine years he dispensed the life-sustaining bread: 'Thou has saved our lives' (Gen. 47:25). It was at thirty years of age that a greater than Joseph was made manifest. When God looked for one to bring salvation He found no One, so His own Arm (Christ) must do the work. The Lord Jesus, the great Revealer of the hearts of mankind is the Saviour who still opens His treasury and storehouse of blessing to those who come, 'For He satisfieth the longing soul, and the hungry soul He filleth with good' (Ps. 107:9). 'I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall not hunger' (John 6:35). Joseph's story illustrates the longsuffering of God, so willing to save and to bless all who repent and believe the gospel. Oh how wonderful the cry, 'Thou hast saved me!' We do well to bow in worship.

Joseph's Lordship:

'Go unto Joseph: what he saith to you, do' (Gen. 41:55).

The good acceptable and perfect will of God had its outworking in

Joseph's life. Lord over all Pharaoh's house, ruler over all the land (Gen. 45:

8; Acts 7:10), Joseph is no longer the once hated, betrayed and wrongly accused prisoner: he is now exalted by divine approval. The people's salvation lay in their acceptance of Joseph's sovereignty, economic judgement, and in implicit obedience to his word. God's will for us, and our ultimate blessing through salvation has as its objective our owning the Lordship of Christ. He is both Lord and Christ, raised far above all rule, authority, power and dominion. If then we would own His Lordship, implicit obedience to His Word must also be displayed by us. 'Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things that I say?' (Luke 6:46). The Lord's words call for care in our personal lives and relationships to each other. He expects us to give expression to the pattern of His house and to the standards laid down for His disciples. Owning His Lordship separates us from the world as a united people. Under His rule we can become dutiful bondservants carrying out His business.

Joseph's special dealings with his brethren:

'Go again ... and God Almighty give you mercy before the man' (Gen. 43:2,14).

Jacob, though aged and sorely tried, was still in control. As the effects of the famine persisted in Canaan he commanded his sons to go to Egypt for food. Joseph had served Pharaoh well through his skilful leadership, and now in return Egypt would become a refuge for Joseph's own family. God's hand was once more being displayed. When Jacob's sons came a second time to Joseph's storehouse, they still did not recognize him. The unfolding scenes show that his aim in all his dealings with his brethren, despite exercising lordship over them, was to freely forgive and to have real fellowship restored. There was no thought of reprisal in Joseph's heart, no desire for revenge because of their deeds, only the display of godly grace and noble love. Joseph must first be sure of their repentance before reconciliation was possible. With God-given wisdom and understanding he proved them to see whether time, guilt or life's pressures had brought any change of attitudes. The result was their remorseful confession: 'We are verily guilty' and 'how shall we clear ourselves?' (Gen. 42:21; 44:16). Only God could clear the conscience of sin and bring peace of mind.

As he made himself known to his brethren, Joseph could not refrain himself. He caused every man to go out from him while he revealed his identity (Gen. 45:1). How could any stranger have understood such an emotional reunion, one that through love would bring the transgressors forgiveness, and evoke from such unworthy men heart rending contrition?

'Come near to me... I am Joseph, your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt' (Gen. 45.4). Shock, numbness, consternation, bitterness of soul, overwhelming guilt - can words describe this dramatic occasion? Here was a scene yet to be re-enacted when the Lord makes Himself known to Israel in a day to come (Zech. 12:1-2). Messiah extends the invitation, 'Come unto Me... I will give you rest' (Mat. 11:28). The repentant of Israel will reply, 'He was wounded for our transgressions ... and with His stripes we are healed' ('s. 53:5).

'And now be not grieved, nor angry God did send me before you ... to preserve you a remnant ... to save you by a great deliverance' (Gen. 45:5-8). Amazing grace indeed, words of truth, comfort and compassion - all glory to God, as Joseph pours in balm to soothe their contrite hearts. A fountain of forgiveness is opened to Jacob's sons. Then they talk with him; surely conversations from overwhelmed hearts!

Israel's day of repentance is approaching. What joy will follow! Joy we have already experienced, and shall know more fully in a coming day as we too talk with our Lord.

Our Lord is now rejected,

And by the world disowned,

By the many still neglected,

And by the few enthroned;

But soon He'll come in glory,

The hour is drawing nigh,

For the crowning day is corning

By-and-by!

Iain T.H. Hunter, Edinburgh, Scotland | Sept 1995
Life Of Joseph