How we handle positions of power and acclaim says much about our character and commitment to God. In the Bible’s account of his life, we see Joseph rise from rags to riches, from the king’s prison to Pharaoh’s side as his most trusted confidant. Helping us to take a closer look at this familiar story, Alistair Begg calls us to see God as the source and sustainer of Joseph’s wisdom and success. True and eternal wisdom must be sought from God alone.
41And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” 42Then 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. 43And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, “Bow the knee!”5 Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt. 44Moreover, 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.” 45And 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.
46Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt. 47During the seven plentiful years the earth produced abundantly, 48and he gathered up all the food of these seven years, which occurred in the land of Egypt, and put the food in the cities. He put in every city the food from the fields around it. 49And Joseph stored up grain in great abundance, like the sand of the sea, until he ceased to measure it, for it could not be measured.
50Before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph. Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore them to him. 51Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father's house.”6 52The name of the second he called Ephraim, “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”7
53The seven years of plenty that occurred in the land of Egypt came to an end, 54and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. There was famine in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 55When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph. What he says to you, do.”
56So when the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses8 and sold to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. 57Moreover, all the earth came to Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth.
Series: Providence, Volume 1
Other messages in: Providence, Volume 1
All of Scripture declares that God’s hand is active in shaping our every affair, from our deepest trials to our loftiest triumphs. Few stories declare this theme more powerfully than the dramatic account of Joseph, son of Jacob. Through this seminal tale of jealousy, betrayal, faithfulness, and astonishing forgiveness, the Bible invites us to rejoice in God’s divine sovereignty and providential care for those whom He loves.
In volume one of this series, Alistair Begg leads us through Joseph’s early life, demonstrating how his trials, struggles, and unexpected rise to power displayed God’s perfect provision. Born into a troubled family, betrayed at his brothers’ hands, enslaved, imprisoned, and then raised up to Pharaoh’s right hand, Joseph exemplifies how God works all things together for our good and His glory. Through God’s abundant providence, we too may cast unbelief aside and trust in the only One whose plan is perfect.
Other messages in: Providence, Volume 2
All of Scripture declares that God’s hand is active in shaping our every affair, from our deepest trials to our loftiest triumphs. Few stories declare this theme more powerfully than the dramatic account of Joseph, son of Jacob. Through this seminal tale of jealousy, betrayal, faithfulness, and astonishing forgiveness, the Bible invites us to rejoice in God’s divine sovereignty and providential care for those whom He loves.
In volume two of this series, Alistair Begg examines Joseph’s journey from the heights of worldly influence to the lasting legacy of his final days. His could have been a story rife with bitterness and vengeance. Instead, being grounded in faith, Joseph trusted in God’s providence and promises, regardless of his circumstances. Like Christ Himself, Joseph’s view of the world was framed by God’s divine purpose, enabling him to forgive genuinely, live correctly, and die without fear. Will we follow his example?
