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January 21, Day 21 – From The Pit to The Prison to The Palace

Writer's picture: Dr. Eric StrickerDr. Eric Stricker

"Life is a Journey" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Watercolor on Paper
"Life is a Journey" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Watercolor on Paper

In our readings yesterday, we saw that Joseph had been removed from the pit and “taken down to Egypt” where Potiphar “bought him” (Genesis 39:1). Today’s readings contain several important principles for us to apply to our hearts and daily lives. Interestingly, the Bible records no sin of Joseph (like Daniel). We should remember that Joseph’s character parallels and points to the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ. We read that “the LORD was with Joseph” and that “he prospered” (verse 2). “Potiphar put him in charge of his household” (verse 4), and this resulted in “the blessing of the LORD on everything Potiphar had” (verse 5). We recall that Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce and falsely accuse Joseph – which took him further from the pit to the prison. But we must also remind ourselves that God is in charge, and His will is operational. A man whose character and caliber would point us to the Lord Jesus Christ will likely undergo the hardships necessary to develop that character. The LORD did not abandon Joseph in prison (verse 21). Joseph has had previous experience with dreams, and here in chapter 40, he will encounter Pharaoh’s cupbearer and his baker, whose dreams Joseph will also interpret – to the one’s fortune – and to the other’s misfortune. Both interpretations are totally accurate. Why? How can that be? Because “interpretations belong to God” (verse 8). In spite of his circumstances, Joseph knows that God is in charge.


In Genesis 41, it’s Pharaoh’s turn to dream, but his dreams have wider-ranging implications. Pharaoh’s cupbearer is suddenly reminded of what Joseph asked him to remember two years earlier, and Joseph is quickly summoned from the prison to the palace. In response to Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph gives glory to God alone and tells Pharaoh twice that God has revealed to him “what He is about to do” (verses 25 and 28). In a very real sense, this single statement summarizes the purpose of the entire Bible in which God reveals to us all “what He is about to do.” Joseph rightly interprets Pharaoh’s dreams, and we notice Pharoah’s reply to Joseph: “God has made all this known to you; no one is so discerning and wise as you” (verse 39). Joseph promotes God, and God promotes Joseph.

In Proverbs 2:12-22, we are informed how to live wisely – twice it says that “wisdom will save you.” As the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (cf., Proverbs 1:7), and as salvation is found in Jesus Christ, “Who is the Wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18), we recognize therefore the truth of this verse. Here, we are reminded of the dangers of the “seductive woman” (verse 16). Living wisely means living for Christ; His wisdom keeps us on “the straight paths and saves us from the adulteress” (verses 13-16). It means walking “in the ways of good men and keeping to the paths of the righteous” (verse 20). Living a wise life means staying out of trouble, which only complicates life, making it more difficult. People who are constantly in trouble usually find life’s road to be difficult; often, that road leads to a bad end.


In Matthew 14:1-21, we see this kind of foolishness in Herod (Antipas), who did not lead a wise life. He repudiated the wisdom of God (by his adultery with Herodias) and further pursued a licentious life of sin by pleasing men rather than God. Herod’s wicked lifestyle – a classic illustration of living the foolish life – resulted ultimately in the indiscriminate murder of John the Baptist – clearly leading Herod down the wrong path. For all his pomp, eventually he fell out of favor with Rome, lost his authority, and was finally exiled to Gaul – a bad end. Here we also read that Jesus tells his disciples, “they [i.e., the people] do not need to go away. Give them something to eat” (verse 16). They need to be fed, but the disciples have only “five loaves of bread and two fishes” (verse 17). Jesus says, “Bring them to me,” and then He demonstrates that He alone can meet their actual need – providing both material and spiritual food.

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