GREAT STORIES OF THE BIBLE PART 10 JOSEPH FROM THE PIT TO THE PALACE

GREAT STORIES OF THE BIBLE

PART 10

JOSEPH

FROM THE PIT TO THE PALACE

GENESIS 37–50

After burying their father, Joseph’s brothers feared that he might still hold a grudge for all the suffering they had caused him. So they sent him a message claiming their father had requested forgiveness on their behalf. When Joseph received this message, he wept. His brothers fell before him and said, “We are your slaves!”

But Joseph responded with grace: “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. Therefore don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.” Joseph comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

In 2008, I had the opportunity to take a study trip to Egypt. As I stood before the statues of Pharaohs—perhaps even Ramses the Great who knew Joseph, and his successor Menephtah who "knew not Joseph"—I couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible journey of Joseph's life.

THE NEW TESTAMENT ECHOES HIS STORY

James 1:2–4 says:

“Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.”

Joseph’s life is a living illustration of this truth, centuries before James ever penned those words.

THE PIT (Genesis 37)

We often say someone is "in the pits" when life is at its worst. Joseph was literally thrown into one by his own brothers. At just 17 years old, he had already stirred tension in his family. He tattled on his brothers, flaunted a special robe from his father, and shared dreams of his family bowing to him.

Jealousy turned deadly. His brothers plotted his murder but settled for throwing him into a dry cistern and selling him to a caravan of Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. They faked his death with goat’s blood on the robe and broke their father’s heart.

But the pit was not the end. God never intended for Joseph—or us—to stay in the pit.

POTIPHAR’S HOUSE (Genesis 39)

Joseph was sold as a slave to Potiphar, an Egyptian official. Though wrongfully enslaved, Joseph thrived and was made overseer of the household. But temptation came when Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him. Joseph refused, honoring both his master and God.

Falsely accused of attempted rape, Joseph was thrown into prison. Once again, injustice derailed his life. But even prosperity in Potiphar’s house was not God’s final plan. Earthly success is not the goal—faithfulness is.

PRISON (Genesis 39–40)

Even in prison, Joseph’s integrity and diligence stood out. The warden put him in charge of other inmates. There he met Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker, both plagued by troubling dreams.

Through God’s help, Joseph interpreted their dreams accurately. He asked the cupbearer to remember him once restored—but he forgot.

Joseph remained in prison, seemingly forgotten by man, but never by God. If you feel trapped or overlooked, remember—prison was not Joseph’s final destination, and it’s not yours either.

THE PALACE (Genesis 41)

Two years later, Pharaoh had two disturbing dreams that none could interpret. The cupbearer finally remembered Joseph. Brought before Pharaoh, Joseph declared that God alone interprets dreams.

The dreams foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh appointed Joseph to oversee preparation for the famine, elevating him to second-in-command of all Egypt.

Joseph made it to the palace—but that, too, wasn’t the final destination. God’s purpose was bigger than Joseph’s success.

THE PURPOSE (Genesis 42–46)

When famine struck, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt seeking grain. They didn’t recognize him, but he recognized them. He tested their hearts and ultimately revealed his identity in a powerful scene of reconciliation and grace.

The journey came full circle. Joseph provided for the very brothers who betrayed him. He saved the lives of his family and countless others.

This was God’s true purpose: redemption, forgiveness, and the preservation of His people.

Joseph's life reminds us that no pit is too deep, no prison too dark, and no position too grand to overshadow God's greater purpose.

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good to bring about this present result—to preserve many people alive.”

—Genesis 50:20

“Consider it all joy… when you encounter various trials… so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

—James 1:2–4

God’s plan for your life is not about comfort, success, or personal greatness. It is about His purpose—redemption, salvation, and blessing for others through you.

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