Psalm 105:7-22

We are returning to this passage which gave us guidance in understanding the lives of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  You will note that it also gives us God’s  “overview” of the life of Joseph (v16-22).  

If there is one phrase in Scripture that captures the essence of Joseph’s life I believe it would be Gen. 50:20: You meant it for evil but God meant it for good.  That is one reason for us to consider Joseph’s life for we may often find ourselves in situations made difficult by the meanness of others. 

However we should understand that the point of the story is not simply a moral encouragement.  It tells us what God did to protect His chosen people (the family of Jacob).  And it reveals Christ to us in Joseph, one of the most amazing pictures of our Lord in all Scripture.

Perhaps you are familiar with Joseph’s life but here is a brief survey.

·        He was the first son of Rachel, Jacob’s favorite wife, making him his father’s favored son.

·        God revealed His plan for the family to Joseph through 2 dreams.

·        His brothers hated him both because of their father’s bias and because of Joseph’s dreams.

·        The brothers sold Joseph into slavery in Egypt where he excelled in service.

·        In fulfillment of the dreams he became  a powerful ruler in Egypt.

·        From that position he was able to save his family during a time of famine.

·        He was also used of God to bring true comfort to his brothers as they dealt with their sin and need of a Savior.

In Psalm 105 we see Joseph’s life portrayed in 2 phases.  The first we might call “humiliation and exaltation” (v16-21).  God first sent a famine, and then sent Joseph to Egypt.  But the “sending to Egypt” involved his becoming a slave, living in difficulty.  But at the right time, God’s time, Joseph was exalted to be the lord of Pharaoh’s house.

“Humiliation and exaltation” is a principle of life with God.  Matt. 23:12 says: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”  Time and again we see this in the great men of Scripture.  But mainly we see it in Christ.  Phil. 2:5-11 reveals His step-by-step humbling from the glories of heaven to death on the cross (v6-8), but then tells us “therefore God has highly exalted Him” (v9-11).

Phase 2 in Joseph’s life might be called “salvation and sanctification” (Ps. 105:22).  From his position as lord over Pharaoh’s house Joseph saved his family from the deadly famine, and then “sanctified” his brothers.  He bound them at his pleasure and taught them wisdom.  And thus our Lord Jesus, from His exalted position, has provided salvation and sanctification for His own (Heb. 2:11-15).

God, in His grace, brings famines (hardships) into our lives so that Christ can be exalted.  Are you in such a situation?  Are you bowing the knee to Christ?