Who Benefits From My Redemption?

God has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Genesis 45:8

In my opinion, this is an overlooked part of Joseph’s story. It’s easy to get caught up with how Joseph felt on the other side of imprisonment. We imagine him being reunited with his brothers, and mostly, with his father. We might never think about how Pharaoh benefitted from crossing paths with Joseph, that Joseph’s influence over Pharaoh was fatherly.

To be a father is to be able to advise, to take care of, or administrate. The day Joseph was dragged into Pharaoh’s court, Pharaoh gained a confidant; someone without an agenda, a priceless gift for a ruler. Never knowing who to trust and never allowing one too close, kings and pharaohs lived lonely lives. Instead ~

• Pharaoh became acquainted with someone who walked with God.
• He met a man who was willing to tell the truth and put himself at risk when he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream.
• He met a man who came out of a prison environment with a gentle spirit.
• He met a man who had no trace of anger or revenge-seeking.
• He met a man who possessed wisdom so unique that his ideas could only be attributed to his God.
• He met a man who was not power hungry.

All of Egypt was saved from famine because God brought Joseph to Egypt. His redemption from imprisonment to power saved more than just the Jewish people. So widespread was his influence that even Egypt was able to preserve its people through the drought.

My redemption never stays in close circles. People close to me watch and God’s power is on full display. His glory falls on those intimate with me but also to my acquaintances. You and I become ‘fatherly’ or ‘motherly’ to those who’ve never trusted before, to those who have waited to see something beautiful displayed in a world that is savagely broken in two. When I give up on God before a stunning breakthrough, I deny myself, and everyone around me, from seeing God’s kingdom come to earth.

I wait on You, God. My hope is not in vain. Your glory, waiting to be revealed, is just out of sight. Give me spiritual grit to see this through. Amen