Genesis 41:38-44 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such
a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said
unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none
so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according
unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I
be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee
over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand,
and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen,
and put a gold chain about his neck; And he made him to ride in the second
chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he
made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph,
I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in
all the land of Egypt.
It's obvious after reading this portion of scripture that Pharaoh was
extremely impressed with Joseph! Think about it ladies, this was the very
first conversation Pharaoh ever had with Joseph - a prisoner recently
hauled out from the dungeon. After hearing what God had showed him and
having listened to his advice only once, Pharaoh immediately set Joseph
up as chief steward over his house and over all the land of Egypt, requiring
him to answer only to him! Notice that Pharaoh - a worldly man, attributed
Joseph's wisdom and discretion to the Spirit of God… He even went so far
as to lift Joseph up before his other servants as a prime example for
them to follow as well! I wonder if those folks appreciated this "jailbird's"
promotion… By the way, what is your reaction when God saves a sinner you
didn't expect, and then cleans him up and uses Him in His service?? Are
you taken aback, or do you seek to show your support…
Matthew 25:21
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou
hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many
things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Because of his godly behavior, Pharaoh did all he could to make it perfectly
clear to everyone that he trusted Joseph's character implicitly and esteemed
him highly. Our heavenly Father does the same with His children that live
in full accordance with His Word and His will. Pharaoh bestowed an honorable
testimony upon Joseph by placing his very own signet ring upon Joseph's
hand, a sign of power and royalty. Pharaoh also gave Joseph his second
chariot to ride in, fine linen to wear, and put a gold chain about his
neck. To top it all off, he entrusted Joseph with much authority. This
is quite an admirable response to a small portion of wisdom and advice,
wouldn't you say, ladies? It is certainly clear through the life of Joseph
that the fear of the Lord leads to promotion!
Proverbs 3:35
The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
Still, one can't help but wonder how it is a worldly man such as Pharaoh
finds it easy to bestow honor upon a man of God… Nowadays Christians often
wrestle with reverencing a non-compromising, sin preaching, loyal-to-the-truth
pastor; a genuine man of God who labors to give them wise, godly counsel
and preaches it straight from the scriptures in the pulpit every week!
Lately it seems the true man of God is considered more of a burden to
the church rather than a benefit. Ladies, Christians need to repent of
such evil thinking! The soul-stirring preacher is one whose own soul is
following hard after God and whose eye is set on God. By the power of
God's Spirit, his ministry becomes highly influential and teaches men,
women, and children to crucify their flesh. Crucified preaching can come
only from a crucified man! Ladies, these holy men of God ought to be highly
valued, yet this type of man is no longer desirable - even by God's own
folk. Therefore, we face a sad state of affairs in Bible-believing churches
and in the hearts of believers alike! The Bible says the heart of man
is desperately wicked; as a result, we search for pastors that will leave
us comfortable in our sin, not convicted. Fortunately, God knows exactly
what we need and appoints us pastors accordingly…
Jeremiah 3:15
And I will give you pastors according to MINE heart, which shall feed
you with knowledge and understanding.
In verse 41 of our text today, Pharaoh made a particular comment to Joseph
saying, "See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt..." Though Pharaoh
thinks he appointed Joseph to this position, we know otherwise. No doubt,
Joseph did as well. It is none but God that directed Pharaoh to assign
Joseph to this highly authoritative position! Ladies, as Christians we
must never lose sight of the fact that our destiny is always and only
in God's control and not man's. God places people where He sees fit to
use them! Today it is getting quite difficult to find a man in whom the
Spirit of God truly dwells and who will execute pastoral authority in
the church. If you have found one in your pastor, then honor him, be thankful
for him, and encourage him; he is a gift from God. Above all, pray for
him! Though some may have been upset with Pharaoh's decision in giving
Joseph position and power, we must be careful never to argue with the
Lord's decision when it comes to whom He appoints as our authority in
the local church! The Bible says this man is God's revenger… Have you
ever challenged God's right by questioning His selection of the man who
holds the position of pastor in your local church body? Pharaoh was smart
enough to know he needed a God fearing man like Joseph in his life that
he might benefit and prosper from his wisdom, counsel, and conviction.
How much more ought we who belong to God recognize this truth and humbly
accept it!
Romans 13:4-7
For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which
is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the
minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience
sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers,
attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their
dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom
fear; honour to whom honour.
While we have studied Pharaoh's impression of the man of God today, let's
not forget to study our own too! Perhaps it is time we suitably adjusted
our opinion of God's selection… Does your pastor have your full support?
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2003