Scripture:
Genesis 41:39-42 ESV
[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, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck.
Observation:
We have seen Joseph go through a time of testing. He has had his coat ripped off of him. He was thrown into a pit. He was sold as a slave. Wrongfully imprisoned, and now the truth has set him free. Really, if we look at the whole story, we can see how it started from a dream and a gift that GOD had given Joseph to be able to interpret them. However, let’s look at the scripture at hand. Because of GOD, Joseph has been placed in a position of power. Joseph used the gift GOD gave him in the manner and timing that GOD provided. And it paid off. Pharaoh saw that Joseph was very wise and knew how to prepare for hard times. So, Pharaoh himself placed Joseph, one set below him. Again, we see Joseph go from rags to riches. As Pharaoh’s right-hand man Joseph had rights and privileges that no one else in the land had, the ring on his finger was how contracts were signed. In fact, the only thing that Joseph couldn’t do was sit on the throne. Other than that, he was just like Pharaoh.
Application:
I want us to think about this. Joseph is a shepherd’s son, taken from a hard life, and given authority over all but Pharaoh himself. Now look at your life. What has GOD done for you? GOD has done the same thing. HE has taken you out of a life that has hurt where people have thrown you in the pit and told others you were dead devalued you maybe even wrongfully accused you. BUT GOD is saying I have restored you. I have given you authority. I have put my ring on your finger sit here next to me. You have all authority on heaven and earth. Now walk in it. Listen, I’m not trying to get on a S.O.A.P. box because I still have a hard time remembering exactly what my FATHER has done for me. I have to remind myself of the authority I have been given. There are times when I don’t come boldly to the throne of grace…… and then HE will stop me …… and speak to me…… like right now……. and he has to remind me exactly who I am ……. so if you are in a spot, maybe it feels like a pit …… or even a prison…… there is a castle waiting. GOD has restored you. HE has redeemed you. You not only have victory but you have been given authority. HE has placed HIS ring on your finger. HE has put a new robe on you and sat you right next to him.
Prayer:
Father, let us not forget what you have done. Your SON washed us clean. The enemy no longer has power over us because you have given us your authority. Let us remember that when it feels like we are being beaten up by him. He can only do that when we fight in our own power. Power and authority are two different things… power is the ability to, but authority is “ability with permission”. Father, you have restored us. You have redeemed us. Let us walk in the victory that your SON gave HIS life for. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen