“WHOM IS THE SPIRIT OF GOD?”

 Genesis 41:14; 37-43

“[14] Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and THEY QUICKLY BROUGHT HIM OUT OF THE PIT. And when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came in before Pharaoh.”

Joseph Rises to Power

“[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.” [41] And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” [42] Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck. [43] And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt.”

Most have heard the history of Joseph and him being used of GOD to minister during the famine that beset Egypt “a few years ago”!  The intriguing part of the story is that from “this world’s” standpoint Joseph was mistreated by his brothers and sold into slavery by them.  His father, Jacob (later known as Israel), was greatly disheartened by this happening and grieved over Joseph’s demise for years!  We MUST remember however that GOD HAS A PLAN and HE uses “bad things” done by HIS creation to draw Honor and Glory to HIS NAME!!!

The trials of Joseph didn’t stop when he was sold though.  Potiphar and his wife were used to elevate Joseph, AND THEN send him to the depths of the Egyptian prison.  But Genesis 39:21 so sweetly reminds us that “But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”   The LORD never left Joseph, even when he was imprisoned and used his turmoil to Glorify HIS NAME!

In Genesis 41:14 Scripture records that “Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and THEY QUICKLY BROUGHT HIM OUT OF THE PIT”!  Joseph interpreted the dream of Pharaoh and Egypt made it through the famine without peril.  Was it because Joseph was a great scholar, or was well educated in the sight of man?  Conversely, Joseph was CHOSEN by GOD ALMIGHTY and fulfilling GOD’S PLAN was the greatest thing he could possibly do, even when he was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife!

It was ONLY because ALMIGHTY GOD CHOSE Joseph that he was elevated to second in command over Egypt!  Yes, Joseph had to remain faithful at the bottom of the well before being sold into slavery by his own family!  Yes, Joseph had to SEE beyond the limited sight of Potiphar’s wife when temptation presented itself to him. When the TIME WAS RIGHT, GOD ALMIGHTY manifested “WHOM IS THE SPIRIT OF GOD” was in to the entire world!  Joseph was obedient, GOD IS FAITHFUL, and GOD ORCHESTRATED “WHOM IS THE SPIRIT OF GOD” was in for ALL to SEE!!!