READ | SERMON NOTES
SUMMARY | Joseph’s predicament might very well be ours – things going south despite doing what is right. But what stands out in chapters 37, 39-41 is that God was faithfully present with Joseph throughout his life.
Joseph’s Story
- As a naively arrogant youth, he was thrown into a deep pit by his jealously resentful brothers
- Pulled out and sold as a slave, he proved highly capable in chief captain Potiphar’s household
- Falsely accused by the captain’s seductive wife, he was thrown into jail
- Found favour with the warden and was put in charge of the welfare of his co-prisoners
- While in jail, Joseph’s precognitive ability led him to correctly predict the dreams of two ex-palace officials – a Cupbearer and a Baker.
- Released from prison two years later to interpret Pharoah’s two disturbing dreams.
- His impeccable interpretation thoroughly impressed the king who gave him command of all Egypt at age 30 (41:46). As prime minister, Joseph was tasked with managing an impending famine that would otherwise wipe out the land and surrounding nations.
- Pharoah heard of the God to whom Joseph attributed his giftedness and worshiped. “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” (41:16)
GOD IS WITH US
From slavery to leadership, false accusation to imprisonment, being forgotten to standing tall before Pharoah, Joseph experienced it all. Though his circumstances kept changing, God was faithfully and constantly with him.
1. In the Pit of Suffering – What should we do when our life is falling apart?
Betrayed by those closest to him, Joseph’s living nightmare was not evidence of God’s absence. As a slave, Joseph’s prospects were bleak with zero rights. Yet God was providentially and sovereignly providing for him. The Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in the house of his Egyptian master, causing all he did to succeed. (39:2-3) Can we say the same when our life is falling apart with the pain of death, relational conflicts, or political backstabbing? How might we recognise God’s presence even when we’re alone in a dark valley and cannot see what He is doing?
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” declared the Psalmist. (139:7) Years before Joseph was born, his father Jacob himself proclaimed, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” (28:16)
When personal issues fill our waking thoughts, God may seem distant. But intentionally turning our attention toward Him can make us more receptive to His presence even when we cannot perceive Him. Like a child holding his father’s hand in the darkness, declare with the Psalmist (46:7), that “the LORD Almighty is with me; the God of Jacob is my fortress”. Joseph’s story encourages us to claim God’s comfort and sustenance right here, right now in our circumstances!
2. In the Prison of Waiting – What should we do when our circumstances do not seem likely to change anytime soon?
Joseph was industrious, obedient and reliable in his devotion to God. So, when he undeservedly landed in jail, God’s steadfast love went with him so that he found favour with the prison warden. (39:21-22) His release, however, came only when the Cupbearer remembered him to Pharoah two years later. Although waiting is hardest when we are suffering, let us remember that “They who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Joseph waited actively by using his God-given talents to help others. Despite undesirable circumstances, his waiting was not wasted. In His sovereign time, God precisely positioned Joseph to preserve his family during the famine, from whom the nation of Israel would emerge. How can we continue to trust God when His presence is certain but His timing, purpose, or answer to our prayers remain unclear? By not wasting our season of waiting but using our God-given resources to help others in the family, workplace, and the church community. A season of waiting could be part of God’s plan. How might God form my character, faith, patience, wisdom, compassion, humility, spiritual maturity, and dependence on Him as I wait actively and patiently?
3. In the Purpose of Stewardship – What should we do when God entrusts us with greater resources, influence, or responsibility?
The situations we want to leave may be the very places God is using to prepare us for where He’s taking us to. For 13 harrowing years, Joseph was equipped between Potiphar’s house and the prison for the responsibility of governing Egypt, a superpower of the day. His seeming setbacks were actually necessary seasons of training. Success may be a test of our faithfulness as seen in how Joseph attributed his interpretative ability to God. (41:15-16) As premier, he preserved the lives of countless others especially his father and brothers during the terrible famine. Joseph’s story teaches us that faithfulness is required for all seasons of life. He clung tightly to God whether in pit, prison, or promotion to wealth, status and fame. How can you guard your heart and remain faithful when God blesses you with greater resources, influence, or responsibility? Not by self-exaltation but faithful stewardship that uplifts others and furthers God’s kingdom.
What opportunities has God placed in your hands that you can faithfully use, even before your circumstances change? In Jesus, God is with us as Emmanuel and Saviour of the world.
In Jesus, Emmanuel – God With Us, our destination is not despair but redemption, not death but resurrection; most of all, never abandonment but the everlasting presence of God.
(Sermon notes by Marjorie Tan)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
a. Read Genesis 39-41. What stands out in Joseph’s story? - Recall Sermon
a. “God is with us in our suffering.” How might we recognise God’s presence even when we could not see what He was doing?
b. “God is with us in our waiting.” How might God form our character, faith, patience, wisdom, or dependence on Him in our waiting?
c. “God is with us in our stewardship.” How can we guard our hearts and remain faithful to God when He blesses us with greater resources, influence, or responsibility? - Relate Personally
a. What gifts, responsibilities, or opportunities has God placed in your hands that you can faithfully use – even before your circumstances change
b. How does knowing that Jesus is with you in your suffering, waiting, and stewardship change the way you face your present circumstances?
c. How can you continue to trust God when His presence is certain but His timing, purpose, or answer to our prayers remains unclear? - Commit to Action
a. Tell someone about Jesus this week. Share how knowing that Jesus understands your suffering helps you face difficult situations.
