The Life Of Joseph - From Prison To Prime Minister - Part 9
Problems To Be Faced! Genesis 42 verses 33-44
The story is told of a young man who was fed up with his strict upbringing so he emigrated to Australia. On his last Sunday in England he attended church in order to please his parents, and the pastor preached on Matthew 12.30 "He that is not with Me is against Me". On board ship, with little to pass his time, he attended a church service, when another preacher spoke on the same text. Some time later, in the city of Melbourne, he dropped in to a church-service and you can imagine his surprise when the preacher in that church again took the text "He that is not with Me is against Me". He realised that God had been following him, and he trusted Christ as his Saviour. Perhaps you have prayed for the conversion of loved ones or friends and wondered if or when God would hear and answer your prayer? Be careful, for He may allow all kinds of problems and difficulties to come into their lives in order to convict their consciences. As Joseph spent long years in prison he must surely have asked God to convict his brothers of their sin. They had “hated him without cause" and planned to kill him! Little did he realise that the day was dawning when their future would lie in his hands and their very lives would depend upon his grace! Let’s refresh our memories with the story of Joseph and then look at the relevance of Genesis 42 to us. Joseph was the next to youngest son of Jacob, and quite a favourite of his father. He had been sold into slavery by his older brothers, and after many difficulties and disappointments had ended up in the Egyptian prison along with Pharaoh’s former Chief Butler and Chief Baker. He had accurately foretold the meaning of their dreams and when Pharaoh could not find an interpreter for his dreams, the Chief Butler, now re-instated, had remembered Joseph in prison. As a result of this, Joseph had been able to tell the Egyptian ruler the meaning of his dream. There would be seven years of agricultural plenty followed by seven years of famine. He then recommended the ruler to appoint a wise man who could manage the economy in such a way that there would be food available when the days of famine came. Under God’s gracious over-ruling Joseph was then appointed as the powerful food-controller, and promoted to the highest position in the land of Egypt, under Pharaoh. Jacob, in Canaan, heard that food was available in Egypt, and sent Joseph’s brothers to him to obtain supplies. Joseph immediately recognised his brothers but, because of the lapse of time and change of circumstances, they did not recognise him. In Genesis 42 we will see the Problems Faced, many of which we will find relevant to the day in which we live.
The first problem Joseph’s family faced could be called "An Act of God". From the closing verse of Genesis 41 we see that Jacob and his sons, and their families, were facing starvation. These were "God's people" to whom He had promised a special land and through whom the Saviour would come; yet famine had hit them and they didn't know which way to turn. It may be that you are facing bereavement, illness, or separation from loved ones, and you wonder why God has allowed it! Remember that God is not caught by surprise, and this very problem in the lives of Jacob and his family would ultimately result in great blessing. The important point for us to be certain about is that we are in the centre of God’s will, for this will ensure God working His purposes out in our lives.
The second problem was guilty memories. Although the news of food in Egypt was wonderful, that was the last place the brothers wanted to visit! They had sold their brother, Joseph, to merchants on their way to Egypt and he could be one of the slaves helping distribute the food! Jacob was perplexed; he had given his sons "a life line", yet all they could do was stand and look at each other (verse1). At long last, in grace and mercy, God was starting His work of conviction! We must always remember that when we sin, we can deceive others but we cannot deceive God! In Numbers 32:23 Moses told the descendants of some of Joseph’s brothers that if they disobeyed the LORD “be sure your sin will find you out”. It is a lesson we all need to learn.
The third problem was how Joseph could best handle family differences. When Joseph’s brothers stood before him asking for food, he must have wondered just how he would handle such a difficult situation. He knew them, but they didn't recognise him! What a problem! It seems clear to us that God's hand was upon this man. Joseph's desire to make himself known and freely forgive must take second place to God's will to bring these men to repentance. His brothers thought they had got away with their hatred of him, and their wickedness to their father, but God was beginning to convict them in His own way! The poet wrote "The mills of God grind slowly but they grind exceeding small"! If you are facing family differences, there is no better plan that to humbly put yourself in God's hand and seek His guidance and help!).
The fourth problem was false accusations. Joseph accused his brothers of spying and there seemed to be no way in which they could convince him otherwise. One writer pictures the brothers accusing him of spying when, as a 17 year old youth he found them at Dothan, and now he is "prompting their memories"! It's an interesting suggestion particularly as David was accused of meddling and interfering when his father sent him to visit his brothers on the battlefield!! Perhaps someone I am speaking to today has been falsely accused and you can't handle it. Follow the advice of the hymn-writer and "Take it to the Lord in prayer”. Before you feel too sorry for these men, read their reply in verse 11! Joseph’s brothers, Simeon & Levi had murdered the whole family of Hamon the Hivite; Judah’s son Er was so wicked that God "put him to death" and then Judah had the barefaced effrontery to accuse his daughter-in-law of being the guilty party, after he had committed adultery with her. The whole bunch of them had planned to kill Joseph and then finally had sold him as a slave and deceived their father. Now they call themselves HONEST MEN!! Let us never forget that God knows all about our past lives, and we can never fool Him. What an encouragement it is to add that because the Lord Jesus died upon the cross for sinners, He is ready and willing to pardon and cleanse all who will come to Him in repentance and faith. Our guilty past can be totally blotted out, for Hebrews 10 verse 17 tells us “Their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more”.
The fifth problem was personal suffering. For three days these men were in prison, and at last their consciences were being pricked (verses 17-23). They had no idea that this Governor, who spoke through an interpreter, could understand every word they spoke! God sometimes has to bring us to a place of solitude in order to speak more powerfully to us! The writer to the Hebrews advises us “not to despise the chastening of the Lord nor be discouraged when we are rebuked by Him” (Hebrews 12 verse 5).
The sixth problem was a family break-up. Simeon was bound before their eyes and would stay in prison until they returned with Benjamin. The brothers wondered just how they could explain this to their father. He had already lost Joseph, and it would appear that he was going to lose another son! If that’s where you are today, take it in prayer to the God who really cares!
The seventh problem was fraud or theft. For the first time God's name was mentioned as they discovered the money in their sacks. In fear they cried out "What is this that God has done to us?" (verse 28). Conviction of sin was coming at long last!
The eighth problem was Jacob's dilemma! His heart had been broken by the loss of Joseph, and now he feared he had lost a second son, Simeon, and was in danger of losing his youngest, Benjamin. How forlorn he must have looked as he cried "Everything is against me" (verse 36)! No doubt I am speaking to someone who feels just like that today. Well be assured that God isn’t against you. He is the One who gave His Son to die for you, and He longs to be your Saviour and Friend. Will you turn to Him today?