“14 So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had
shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.”
Genesis 41:14 (New International Version)
“From Prison to the Palace”
As we place a spiritual stethoscope to the heart of Joseph, we feel the heart of one who was sold
into Egyptian slavery by his own brothers at the age of 17. During Joseph’s imprisonment, he
gained a reputation as an accurate interpreter of dreams. His God-given ability served him well
as he was summoned by Pharaoh to interpret a host of his troubling dreams. Scripture tells us
that Pharaoh first sought the help of magicians and wise men, but they could not provide the
support he needed. These other men had societal power, but their power was not of God. Thus,
they were unable to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams, but God had revealed it to Joseph.
With haste, Joseph was brought from a dark and desolate dungeon to the presence of Pharaoh. In
this moment, Joseph provides us with an example that we must follow when given the
opportunity to use our God-given gifts. You see, it was not Joseph’s knowledge of dreams that
helped him interpret the meaning of Pharaoh’s dreams. It was his knowledge of God! Joseph
made sure that he gave the credit to God for the revelation of the meaning of Pharaoh’s dreams.
We should always be ready to give God honor for all that has been done. It is not our place, nor
our right to take credit for that which God has done for us and through us. God deserves the
glory! God deserves the honor! God deserves the praise!
Pharaoh recognized that Joseph was a man “in whom is the spirit of God.” Thus, Joseph became
prime minister of the land, with power second only to Pharaoh himself. 13 years after being sold
into Egyptian slavery, God elevated Joseph from the depths of the royal prison to second in-
command of the entire nation. It was God that promoted him from the prison to the palace
overnight. Allow this lesson to serve as a reminder that God can/will use our troubles and trials
to train and test us in preparation for our high calling.
Fraternally,
Christopher A. McCroy
Brother (Minister) Christopher A. McCroy
8th District Chaplain