PHARAOH’S WISE DECISION:
Genesis 41:37-45 NKJV
[37] So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. [38] And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?” [39] Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. [40] You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” [41] And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” [42] Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. [43] And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he set him over all the land of Egypt. [44] Pharaoh also said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” [45] And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. So Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.
In the time of need and great challenges, the one with the solution and knows the way to victory, must be chosen to lead the way. The Pharaoh in Joseph’s time demonstrated his wisdom and great leadership skill when he chose Joseph to lead Egypt through both the seven years of abundance and seven years of severe famine.
Not only did he put him in charge of Egypt but he also put his house in his control, gave him the daughter of Poti-Pherah, priest of On, Asenath, as his wife, his signet ring, made sure he was well dressed and presentable, and made him ride in his second chariot! This Pharaoh was no fool. He found a valuable person and made the most of him. Plus he made sure of raising wise descendants by giving him Asenath, as wife.
If you were in his position, what would you have done? Some of our leaders today will immediately eliminate him and attempt to act on his advice with their own cronies. Where would that have landed Egypt and the rest of the world that came to depend on Egypt for their survival. Selfish decisions never produce the desired results and leave the following generations worse off.
What would you have done if you were in Joseph’s position? Would you have been swollen up and destroyed with pride? Joseph distinguished himself and led Egypt wisely. He made sure he fed the world and made his master, the Pharaoh very rich. Are you up to the task? Will you end up enriching yourself at the expense of the masses and the one who appointed you? This is God’s Word for you today …
II Chronicles 16:8-9 NKJV
[8] Were the Ethiopians and the Lubim not a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet, because you relied on the Lord, He delivered them into your hand. [9] For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”
If our hearts are right and loyal to God, He will fight our battles for us and make a way for us, even in foreign lands.