Friday
Read: Genesis 41
SOAP: Genesis 41:51–52
Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, saying, “Certainly God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s house.” He named the second child Ephraim, saying, “Certainly God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”
Devotion
The events recorded in Genesis chapter 41 indicate a major turning point in the life of Joseph. Though he experienced great suffering, God was in control. The sovereignty of God is on display through the dreams of Pharaoh, the interpretation Joseph offered, the honor and authority given to him as a result, and the names of his children.
Joseph was thirty years old when he began serving Pharaoh in Egypt; he was seventeen when his brothers sold him to the Midianites. Joseph spent at least two of those thirteen years in prison, likely many more. Yet, even though he faced great injustice and suffering, Joseph remained faithful to God, seeking Him and walking in obedience no matter his circumstances.
God displayed His sovereignty over the nations by revealing His plans to bless the Egyptians with an abundant harvest and then humble them with a great famine. God controls everything, from nature to the most powerful nations and rulers. And when this powerful nation could not interpret the plans of God, He restored His faithful servant to a place of honor as He brought about His sovereign plans.
In revealing His plans for Egypt, God also revealed His specific plans for Joseph, His chosen leader. God, not Pharaoh, appointed Joseph to be in charge of the nation of Egypt at this time. Joseph’s faithfulness in the little things was honored and he was put in charge of many things (Genesis 37:2; 39:1–6, 21–23). Finally, after much heartache and suffering, Joseph could see God’s wonderful plan for him unfolding before his eyes.
The names of Joseph’s sons display his gratitude for and recognition of what God had done in his life. The name Manasseh was a reminder that God allowed Joseph to forget his trouble and his father’s house. Ephraim’s name was a reminder that God allowed Joseph to be fruitful in the land of his suffering. Joseph recognized God’s provision and care over his life. He acknowledged God’s work and deliverance for him, and his children’s names were permanent reminders of God’s faithfulness.
Joseph consistently chose the things of God. He was faithful in everything God had given him, from his father’s flocks to Potiphar’s house, from the prisoners to the entire nation of Egypt. His faithfulness is a model for followers of Christ. No matter where we are, we can remain faithful and obedient to God. While it may not be immediate, God will one day reward those who are devoted to Him.