Rewards for Righteousness

INTRO:

Since it’s been a few weeks since we last looked at the life of Joseph, let’s quickly review.

He was a favored son, but hated by his brothers, and sold into slavery by them

Landing in the foreign land of Egypt, with not even his robe on his back, he faced tough new circumstances. But God was with his, prospered him in the house of Potiphar, until Potiphar’s wife changed all that with her false accusation of rape.

Joseph was then lower than ever, in prison wondering how he got punished for doing the right thing. He thought there was a glimmer of hope when Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker became imprisoned with him and Joseph was able to interpret their dreams, but when the cupbearer was restored he forgot Joseph, and Joseph suffered in prison for 2 more years.

If Joseph was a modern day church member, he would be one of those people that you find perpetually on the prayer list. From trial to trial he can’t catch a break!

Joseph went from age 15 to 30 going through some of the toughest trials you can imagine, he handled those things exceedingly well. His faith did not falter, his devotion did not decline. Through the hand of God, he overcame all those obstacles.

However, now faces a new obstacle. In some ways, this new challenge may be even harder than the ones he’s already faced. What is this new trial? PROSPERITY.

J. Oswald Sanders wrote, “Not every man can carry a full cup. Sudden elevation frequently leads to pride and a fall. The most exacting test of all to survive is prosperity.”

We’ll be in the second half of Genesis 41 tonight in our message “Rewards for Righteousness” but let’s quickly be reminded what happened in the first half of this chapter.

Pharoah had a 2 dreams that no one could interpret. The cupbearer remembered Joseph (finally!) and Joseph was called out of prison, God gave him the interpretation of the dream about the coming 7 years of abundance followed by 7 years of famine, and as a result, Pharoah rewarded Joseph with gifts, honor, prestige, and power.

God Exalts the Humble (vs. 41)

Let’s start with just verse 41. Notice the pronouns. “I have set YOU over all the land of Egypt.”

Let’s consider the “YOU” - Joseph didn’t do this. Joseph didn’t ask for this. Joseph wasn’t working behind the scenes trying to make things go his way. He trusted God.

Now the “I” - Pharoah thought we was doing this - wrong! It was God.

A Lot of Change Really Quickly (vs. 42-45)

He was given the signet ring. “Signet” means “to sink.” You would sink the ring in clay to show the authority of the Pharoah. It was the limitless charge card of the ancient world. It meant unbelievable financial power.

Other were made to bow before him. Not only did Joseph get beautiful clothes, people had to get on their knees when he passed. He was guaranteed respect and honor.

No one could do anything without Joseph saying so. That’s called supreme authority.

He was given a new name and a wife.

“Neith” was one of the goddesses of Egypt. The “nath” sound in Joseph’s new name (and his wife’s) meant that he was being dedicated to a pagan God!

All of these things could have spelled disaster for Joseph. It could have gone to his head. He could have rejoiced in his power and started seeking after a false deity. We should be very worried about him at this point! But our worry will be unfounded. The next verses show us what a wonderful job Joseph did handling this new found prosperity

Don’t Let it Go to Your Head (vs. 46-56)

Let’s notice a few things

Joseph stayed Joseph. He had been given new name, and sure, some people used it, but Joseph did not forget his roots or his faith. “Joseph” means “He, God, will add.” Rachel and Jacob probably meant to convey that God has added to their family another son. Joseph has come to understand his name means that God, and God alone, with add to or provide what he needs!

We see this even more clearly by how he named his sons. “Manasseh” sounds like the Hebrew word nasha, which means to forget. Joseph was saying that through God’s hand of blessing and provided, his old troubled have been “manassehed” - forgotten. His second son, Ephraim, is a play on the Hebrew word for “twice fruitful” or double blessing. He was saying that God has blessed with him two sons, that he was been doubly blessed more than he deserves. His sons names tell us that Joseph was still giving God the credit for all things.

Joseph didn’t avoid the work. Notice that Joseph has heavily involved in the planning and preparation of the storage during the abundant years and the distribution during the famine years. Just because he has power and authority didn’t mean he thought himself too great to get his hands dirty.

Joseph retained a generous spirit. Once the famine came, THE WHOLE WORLD needed food. Did Joseph close the storehouse doors and say, “Us first! You should have prepared better!” No!! He realized then, just as we should today, that the “me-first mentality” goes directly against the will of God.

CONCLUSION

God’s exalting is so much sweeter than you exalting yourself.

God’s blessings come with new, and very deceptive, challenges.

No matter what comes your way, good or bad, stay rooted in your faith.