Job & Joseph, had the right Attitude

Genesis 41:41-45

In the time of Joseph, a person’s name often had great meaning.  Pharaoh has taken off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck; however, Pharaoh knows his people and if Joseph is to be second in command, he must have a new name, an Egyptian name.  This is what Henry M. Morris states on page 587 in the “Genesis Record”: “Because of Joseph’s alien background, Pharaoh decided to confer, insofar as possible, Egyptian citizenship and social status on Joseph, making it easier for him to be accepted as second ruler by the Egyptian people.  He gave him an Egyptian name, Zaphnath-paaneah, the exact meaning of which is somewhat doubtful.  It has been variously interpreted as “Abundance of Life,” “Savior of the World,” Revealer of Secrets,” “God’s Word Speaking Life,” “Furnisher of Sustenance,” and so on.  This variety of possible names at least indicates that Pharaoh probably conferred a name on him which was expressive of his unique contribution to Egypt at this time in her history.”

Joseph is thirty years old and people all over the land of Egypt are calling him “Savior of the World,” or some other name of great importance and he never forgets that he did not save himself, in fact he understands the “But God” very well.  But God, and God alone rescued him from being killed by his brothers, but God had him sold to Potiphar, the captain of the kings guard, but God allowed him to be put into prison, and but God has now put him over all of Egypt.

Has God put you in a high position?  If so, how are you doing?  Are you a Joseph type, or do you believe the lie, that it was your ability, your skill set and intelligence that brought about your place in life.  If you’re full of self, take this counsel from Job in chapter 42:5-6, “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”  Each of us will see the Lord, and it is far better to agree with Job on his testimony while on earth, than at the judgment.

Form the Back Porch,

Bob Rice