RPG Adults
FROM PRISON TO PALACE
MONDAY, MARCH 3
Genesis 41:14-24
Psalm 28
Wait upon the Lord.
FROM PRISON TO PALACE
The sun rose over Joseph’s prison cell like any other day, but for Joseph it smiled as never before! This was his day of release after “two full years” (Gen 41:1). Suddenly, he found himself the centre of attention: “The King has sent for you! Hurry!”
Egypt was then at its highpoint in history. Pharaoh was a king among kings. The grandeur and splendour of his palace were incomparable. To appear before his imperial majesty, Joseph had to be “prim and proper.” A clean shave was essential. Then a change into new clothes to make him presentable.
Now we see Joseph ushered into the presence of Pharaoh in his magnificent throne room. A young Hebrew stood before the great king! Pharaoh explained his purpose in sending for Joseph: two perplexing dreams which confounded the royal magicians. “I hear that you can interpret difficult dreams!” Joseph’s reply was just like his modest self, a true servant of God. “It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace” (Gen 41:16). No boasting or self-seeking. Then he listened attentively as the king related his twin dreams. But “there was none that could declare it to me” (Gen 41:24), said Pharaoh.
Egypt is one of the countries in the Middle East which has played, and shall play, a vital part in God’s dealings with His people, the Jews. Joseph’s admission to Pharaoh’s court marked the first step in the eventual emigration of Jacob’s family from Canaan to Egypt, where seventy souls were to multiply to a multitude of over two million. This was foretold by God to Abraham, “Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them…” (Gen 15:13). God’s counsel stands fast. Joseph was God’s advance troop! And for the sake of His people, God was speaking to Pharaoh, a heathen king! “Make way for My people Israel!”
THOUGHT: Failure through pride. Success through humility.
PRAYER: May all credit and glory be given to Thee, O Father!