The king sent and released him, the ruler of the people let him go free. He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his possessions. (Psalm 105:20-21)

In the previous devotion, we highlighted the fact that when Joseph was released from prison, he was simultaneously vindicated before all men — including those who had disparaged his reputation. Likewise, when we are released from our bondage of sin, we are pronounced blameless in the eyes of God and no longer defined by our past. It is written, “If anyone is in Messiah, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Even so, there are times in our journey when we, like Joseph, find ourselves successfully persecuted by those with wicked intentions. But if we are faithful, in time, our Father will release us from the “imprisonment” enforced upon us by lies and false accusations.

His vindication and justice doesn’t end there, however. The Bible records that, not only was Joseph freed from prison, he was elevated to the most powerful position in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. He was given free reign to do as he saw fit in regard to Egypt’s welfare which, as we see later in the story, included imprisoning those he deemed dangerous to the nation. I would suggest this part of the story speaks to the fact that the faithful remnant of God will be given authority to rule over the nations. As Messiah said, “He who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations — ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’— as I also have received from My Father” (Revelation 2:26-27).

The point is that God rewards those who trust in Him with justice; those who prove themselves to be faithful in the face of adversity and injustice, He vindicates and empowers. We might say that He demonstrates His confidence in those who consistently place their confidence in Him. For example, the servants who successfully used the talents given them by their master were rewarded with more authority and responsibility (Matthew 25:14-23).

That said, we should not overlook this point: Joseph’s story reveals that His chosen vessels are bound to suffer. He allows this so that all impurities and issues that would be counterproductive to His will are purged from our hearts. Still, to realize tomorrow’s outcome is worth the suffering we may have to endure today. As Paul said, “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). It will be important to remember that in the days ahead.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill