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. 44 Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall lift up hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” 45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-paneah. And he gave him in marriage Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On. So Joseph went out over the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:38-45 (ESV)

Preparation Pays

The years of serving in Potiphar’s house then in the Pharaoh’s jail learning patience and humility, practicing servanthood, and trusting the Lord finally pay off. Joseph is in Pharaoh’s presence. He has interpreted the dream and provided an action plan. Pharaoh and all his leaders accept it. He’s now crowned 2nd in command in Egypt. 

Shot to the top

Suddenly Joseph is lifted from a servant prisoner and shot to the top leadership spot in Egypt, 2nd only to Pharaoh. Talk about a stellar rise to the top! “Joseph only seemed to be an overnight success. In truth, his journey from the pit to the pinnacle took 13 hard years. This part of Joseph’s story reminds us of some important principles regarding promotion and advancement.” (enduringword.com) We also see this similar situation happen with Daniel (Daniel 2:48) and Esther’s uncle, Mordecai (Esther 8:1-8).

We know from current affairs that usually sudden rises are met with sudden falls. The example of former NBA basketball player Jeremy Lin comes to mind. Will this happen to Joseph? Stay tuned (or read ahead if you don’t already know the account).

Egyptian success

Second in command only to the Pharaoh was a big deal of course. Egypt was well known for its prosperity and advanced civilization. We all know about the amazing pyramids. One reason for their success was their leadership. Notice that Pharaoh hears Joseph’s interpretation and advice then makes an immediate, unilateral decision in the best interest of the society to appoint Joseph 2nd in command. “[T]his Pharaoh seems to have been unusually humble, generous, and secure.” (planobiblechapel.org)

Wife test

Now here’s a test for Joseph we don’t hear much about. The Pharaoh gives him a wife. The wife is the daughter of Potiphera, a priest of On. Not only is his wife an Egyptian who worships Egyptian gods, she’s also the daughter of the priest of their gods! How will Joseph’s faith in the Lord hold up in this situation?

RЯeflection

• Are you in a tough situation now? You’re wondering why, or how long? If you are in the Lord delighting in Him, you are in His will. You can be certain there is a purpose. Some day (maybe not until Heaven) you will find out what it is. For now, hang on in faith. Keep trusting in Him.
• If you are not in the Lord, come to know Him or, get into His Word and seek to know Him more; know Him as the Lord of All. There may be unconfessed sin or an idol of your heart you need to deal with. He is gracious. The Spirit will convict and take you through repentance to a better place.