Then the chief butler spoke to Pharaoh, saying, “I remember my faults this day…Now there was a young Hebrew man with us there…And we told him, and he interpreted our dreams for us…and it came to pass, just as he interpreted for us, so it happened’…Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon…So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, ‘It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.’–Genesis 40:9-16 NKJV
And Pharaoh said to his servants, ‘Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?’ Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.’ And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.’ Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.–Genesis 41:38-42 NKJV
The fifth and final finger in the story of Joseph carries only the pressure of position.
The “ring” finger is to be adorned, being dependent of the fingers around it for much of its motion! God directed Pharaoh to put his own ring on Joseph’s hand! As the new ruler of Egypt, he was finally in the right position to fulfill the purpose of God.
Instead of being the center of his own dreams, Joseph had learned to be an instrument in the center of God’s will! All of his dreams came true as he walked in the authority God had given him, but it was for the sake of the rest of the world that he fulfilled the responsibilities of that office.
Famine came but a godly man with spiritual wisdom and vindicated discretion saved the day. He also saved his own family and extended a forgiveness that still brings tears to my eyes when I read his story!
This excerpt was taken from Everyday Preparation For Jesus’ Return by Rocky Veach.
18
MAY
2014
About the Author:
Rocky Veach is a respected leader, preacher, and pastor within the Christian community. He is best known for his passionate, people-building approach to ministry both in the United States and abroad. Read full biography.