Delayed Dreams and Divine Delieverance: A Five-Day Look at the Journey of Joseph, Part 4

A note to the reader:

In this multi-day devotion series, we will look to Scripture to examine the life of Joseph. In this account God’s deliverance appeared delayed, yet in actuality it was His divine plan. I invite you to study the passage with me, take notes, ask questions, and then record your thoughts and personal application in a journal or the notes app on your phone. By the end of this series, I pray we will have a greater understanding of how delays and deliverance are a part of God’s sovereignty.

Raised to Power

Read: Genesis 41-44

“After two whole years…” (Genesis 41:1).

What a way to start today’s Scripture reading.

As more dreams from new characters are introduced in the story, the chief cupbearer is brought to remember one who interpreted his own dreams: Joseph. Joseph is “brought… out of the pit” (41:14b) to interpret Pharaoh’s dream. Notice Joseph’s response to this inquiry in verse 16, “‘It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.’” Throughout every step of the way we observe that Joseph is more than mindful of God; he acknowledges before others God’s power alone. God uses Joseph as his mouthpiece to reveal the dreams’ singular meaning to Pharaoh. As a result, within a single conversation Joseph goes from being pulled out of prison to put in charge over everything Pharoah owns. As Pharaoh recognizes the Spirit of God in Joseph (v38) and his wisdom and discernment (v40), he chooses to put him in charge over all the land; no one but Pharoah has more authority than Joseph.

What a remarkable journey this has been thus far for Joseph, hasn’t it? This is signified by the names he chose for his children (vv.51-52).

Seven years of plenty have now passed. Near the end of chapter 41 we read that the seven years of famine have begun. The effects of the famine are widespread (v56) affecting all the land. This leads to none other than Joseph’s sibling to pay him a visit. Only we read that they do not recognize him, but Joseph surely recognizes them.

As Joseph recognized his brothers, he remembered something else too: his dreams of old (v9). Even as things had turned out well for him positionally in Egypt, it appeared Joseph had not altogether forgotten his past. He remembered his dream as his brothers bowed down before him, as his dream had foreshadowed (v6). In chapters 42-44 we read of the events that followed his realization, while he kept his true identity hidden from his brothers. Interestingly, each step of the way and with each decision we read of Joseph’s empathy and emotion for his brothers that he could not contain within himself, yet kept concealed from his brothers.

In a final confrontation with the disguised Joseph, one of his brothers—Judah—verbally recognizes his own wrongdoing that he believes has led to this moment and makes a passionate plea regarding his youngest sibling, Benjamin. In Genesis 44:16 we read,”And Judah said, ‘What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how can we clear ourselves? God has found out the guilt of your servants; behold, we are my lord’s servants, both we and he also in whose hand the cup has been found.’”

The Crossway ESV Study Bible highlights that we can observe Judah’s concession to his guilt and his maturing character as he seeks his brother’s good over his own (in stark contrast to his dealings with Joseph in his youth).

Joseph, in a position over his brothers, has the opportunity to exact revenge…or show mercy. A choice to satisfy self, or to once again recognize God’s hand in everything. Will Joseph reveal his true identity and respond saying, “You sold me into slavery, and now I have the opportunity to make you a slave. This is justice.” Or will he see it as God’s plan and provision for him and his family; his family who God used in the process?

We will read of his response and the outcome in the final devotion.

Application: As you prepare for our next devotion and the conclusion of the account of Joseph, reflect on what you have learned of Joseph’s situation thus far, and the situation of his brothers. Think about the events that have passed and the emotions that were surely present for all of them. How do your events and emotions impact your understanding and actions in situations you face? How are they helpful? How might they be harmful? Take a moment to journal your thoughts and a prayer in a journal or a note taking app. 

Written by Lizzy Blanchard