Joseph in charge

Today in the One Year Bible, we read from Genesis 41:17-42:17. Joseph becomes ruler over all of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself. And this teaches us several lessons.

First, you see that following what God teaches you to do will sometimes bring you into positions of power. This is not a bad thing. Power just means the ability to do things. Joseph does good things with his power, and helps people. You have the ability to do this, too. Within your realm of influence, with the money and possessions that you have, you're able to make YOUR world a better place.

Second, Joseph doesn't make everyone become Hebrews. He doesn't force the people in his charge to adopt his beliefs. While we DO want to share the truth that we know in Jesus so that people are able to have better lives, because the best lives we can live are those in which He frees us and guides us in His wisdom... even though that's true, we can lead and direct and govern people who don't agree with us. We can make their lives better even if they resist making them perfect by knowing Him in the fullness of truth.

Third, we can use what the world gives us to help our families. Joseph is given great power and authority in Egypt... and one of the things he does is bring his family to come live with him there. And when they do, they prosper so greatly that they begin to outnumber the Egyptians! While the world around us is proclaiming that "we are overpopulating!" and "we should stop having children!", let's let them... and quietly start outnumbering them by continuing our philosophy of being fruitful and multiplying.

God, thanks for teaching us some valuable lessons from Joseph's life.