The World Must See

It is very important that we carry on a bit more with Joseph’s story, as much of Paul’s words are being borne out in him.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4: 13

We are at the place where Joseph, through divine providence, becomes a servant and friend of the king. I ask you, is not Joseph now openly showing, in all his thoughts, words and actions, these words of Paul? I can do all things through the person in whose employ I am? I can do all things through the one who has given me power and authority to do his will. O yes, you know all about the authority Joseph was given by Pharaoh, and how Joseph never cowered, nor hesitated to use it all. He was totally thankful, respectful and obedient to Pharaoh and was never ever ungrateful or reticent in being and using the authority and power he was given, even to the feeding of his own family.

However, our mission in this telling and showing, is for us to stand and see clearly that it is no different for us in our Lord’s service. We are all poor, needy, powerless and helpless people, with nothing good to our name, in thought, word or deed. This is a given and our King Jesus knows this. Think of it! Do you really believe that Pharaoh did not know who Joseph was? Pharaoh knew that Joseph was a slave. He knew that he was no Egyptian. He knew that he was a poor powerless man, unable to free himself or even help himself.

But one day, with the hand of Providence still at work, Pharaoh, the secular mind, the worldly eyes, saw something in Joseph which changed this earthly king forever, concerning Joseph. He saw the power and authority in Joseph, a foreigner and knew that he carried the Holy Spirit in him. And Pharaoh said to his servants, Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God? Genesis 41: 38. Just as Pharaoh, whom we are using as eyes of the world, has seen God’s Holy Spirit in Joseph, through God’s supernaturally strengthening power, so too with us. You and I must fulfill the expressed desire of Jesus, as heard in His prayer to His Father. The world must see Him in us, who claim Him, if the world is to believe in Him, that He is really of God and sent by God. 

Fellow believers, we have to admit that we are fully useless people for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. Not one of us has any kind of ability, power or authority to do the will and works of Jesus, on our own. We are barren fruit trees, fruitless in bearing Jesus’ fruit. We are empty vessels, incapable of providing Jesus’ refreshment to the needy. We are impotent servants, powerless to help the sick and suffering with Jesus’ healing care. We are broken cisterns, incapable of speaking Christ’s Gospel to the poor. Unless we know this truth about ourselves how can we accept, boldly and freely the living truth we have in Jesus? We have no excuse whatsoever, for we are perfect candidates, the right vessels in which Jesus’ strength will flourish profusely.  

Will you look again at Joseph?

• He is a poor Israelite, in the house and service of the Egyptian king. What do you see of you? I see me, a poor sinner, in the house and service of our Divine King.

• He is a servant with no earthly credentials, who has found favour with Pharaoh. What do you know of you? I know that I have absolutely no human credentials, but I have found favour with our Heavenly Lord and King. 

• He is a grateful, obedient and serving servant, doing as his king bids him, even to giving him power and authority over his house and his people. What do you believe of you? I believe that I have been given power and authority to do Christ’s given work. 

• He is a bold, undaunted, yet humble servant, who lets nothing of his misfortunes keep him from rising to the person whom he is now being lifted up to be. What do you receive of you? I receive the high honour of grace given to one like me, to be made Christs’ servant and friend.

Now that we have been shown Joseph in this time of his life, as a trusted servant of Pharaoh, we understand much more of Paul’s words. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Keep us strengthened Lord, keep us fully revealing You, to the world. Amen