June 24 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Psalm 105:16–22

Devotional

Joseph was in prison, but the Lord exalted him. He was brought before Pharaoh and was made governor of the land of Egypt. It must have been difficult for Joseph to be faithful to God while he was in prison, struggling in hardships. But could it be possible that it was more difficult for Joseph to be faithful to God in his prosperity?

Joseph received a new name. He would now be called Zaphnath-Paaneah, “the savior of the world.” What a beautiful name and a glorious honor! This is real glory. He is on a throne. Joseph is exalted. Joseph lived from his seventeenth to his thirtieth year under affliction. And Joseph lived until he had reached the ripe old age of 110 years. That means he lived eighty years in great prosperity. He was on a throne with great honor for eighty years.

It was difficult for Joseph in prison, but would it not have been more difficult to hold on to God while he was in his palace? Yet Joseph received grace to hold on to God in prosperity. In our times, we see people climb the corporate ladder of success and not think about God anymore. Even the floor cleaner that moves to a managerial position can forget about God. Others make a little career advancement and fancy themselves to be very important. Most people, in fact, who think they have accomplished something in life, forget God. Oh, what a beautiful example we have in the life of Joseph! He sat for eighty years on the throne in humility. He feared God in idolatrous Egypt. Nothing could separate him from the love of God—no adversity and no prosperity.

The Lord assures Joseph that He has worked all things in Joseph’s life together for His own glory. The secret of this all is that the fear of God was present in Joseph’s heart. When religion becomes a matter of the heart then this entails that it is woven into your being. Your relationship with God is part of the fabric of your life. Do you know this fear of the Lord in your heart and life? Is God your all in all?

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.