The Story of Joseph

Right now I'm reading through the story of Joseph.  Today I was in Genesis 41, the part of the story when Pharaoh appoints Joseph to be second in command in all of Egypt.  I love what Pharaoh told Joseph in verse 40:

"You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command.  Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you."

In my footnotes it says the Hebrew manuscript read: "and according to your command all my people shall kiss the ground."  Wow.

To say Joseph had a rough life would be an understatement.  Joseph had been sold by his brothers, taken to Egypt as a slave, bought by an officer of Pharaoh and then accused of rape by his wife,  and he was thrown into prison.

In one view of this- Joseph has been dealt some crappy cards.  But you can see something cool here: Joseph was put in charge of everywhere he was!   Potiphar made him in charge of his household, even in jail he was put in charge of the other prisoners.  You can see God all in that!

But here is where it gets simply astounding: Pharaoh brings a slave out of prison to interpret his dreams, and appoints him head over all Egypt, answering only to Pharaoh himself!

And this reminds me of what God did with us. We where dirty, sinful, wretched people.  He is perfection and purity defined.  And He brings us in and not just allows us to be in his kingdom, but calls us Sons.  He makes us family!

It is simply astounding.