Genesis 45:3–7 (NIV)
Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.
Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt. And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now, there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years, there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance."
As children, we often played a game called "Snakes and Ladders," or as some know it, "Chutes and Ladders." It’s a simple board game involving a dice roll, with players moving their markers up ladders and sliding down snakes or chutes, depending on where they land. Some of you may have played it growing up. In the version I played, there was always one notorious square—98—which had a snake that stretched all the way back to square one, undoing all your progress in an instant.
When I reflect on the story of Joseph, I often think of this game. Joseph's life, much like Snakes and Ladders, was full of ups and downs. He had moments of great success, like the ladders in the game, but he also encountered many challenges and setbacks, represented by the snakes. His journey, though filled with hardship, ultimately showcased God's divine plan.
Joseph's Journey: A Lesson in God's Providence
Joseph’s life, from the time he was a young boy, was filled with favor and privilege. Born as the 11th child of Jacob and the beloved son of Rachel, Joseph was highly favored by his father. This favor was expressed through special treatment, such as receiving a multicolored coat, which set him apart from his brothers. Naturally, this favoritism led to resentment from his siblings.
One day, when Joseph was 17, Jacob sent him to check on his brothers who were tending sheep in the fields. This became the moment his life drastically changed. His brothers, fueled by envy, plotted to kill him. However, Reuben, the eldest brother, intervened, convincing them to throw Joseph into a pit instead. Later, Judah suggested selling Joseph to passing Midianite traders, who took him to Egypt.
In Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, a military commander under Pharaoh. Despite his dire circumstances, Joseph remained faithful and diligent in his service, and soon, Potiphar entrusted him with the management of his entire household. However, Joseph’s integrity led to yet another downfall. Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of wrongdoing, resulting in Joseph being thrown into prison.
Even in prison, Joseph’s faith and character stood out. He was given responsibility over other prisoners, and his ability to interpret dreams became known. Two fellow inmates, Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker, had dreams that troubled them. Joseph interpreted their dreams, foretelling the cupbearer’s restoration to his position and the baker’s impending execution. Joseph’s predictions came true, but despite his request, the cupbearer forgot about Joseph for two more years.
God’s Plan Unfolds
Two years later, Pharaoh himself had disturbing dreams that no one could interpret. At this point, the cupbearer remembered Joseph and recommended him to Pharaoh. Joseph was summoned to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams, which foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. Impressed by Joseph’s wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him as the second most powerful man in Egypt, responsible for preparing the nation for the coming famine.
When the famine eventually struck, it affected not only Egypt but the entire region, including Joseph’s family in Canaan. Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain, not knowing that the very brother they had sold into slavery now held the keys to their survival.
When Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them immediately, but they did not recognize him. After a series of tests, Joseph finally revealed his identity to his terrified brothers, but instead of seeking revenge, he offered them forgiveness, acknowledging that God had orchestrated the events to save their lives.
A Lesson in Faith and Trust
Joseph’s life serves as a powerful reminder that God is always working behind the scenes, even when we cannot see or understand His plan. Just as we might feel frustrated when putting together a complex puzzle with scattered pieces, life often presents us with challenges that seem confusing and painful. Yet, we must remember that God sees the whole picture. He is working everything out for our good, even in the midst of trials and setbacks.
As Joseph famously told his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20). This profound statement reveals a key truth: God’s purpose prevails, even when our circumstances suggest otherwise.
In our own lives, we must learn to trust God through both the ladders and the snakes, the successes and the setbacks. Just as Joseph endured trials, knowing that God had a greater plan, we too can find comfort in the promise that "all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
Lulu, as a child, lived in a world that felt both familiar and foreign. She didn’t know that she had been kidnapped, and the people raising her weren’t her real family. She sensed something was off but couldn’t fully understand why her life didn’t align with the stories we often hear about family. It wasn’t until years later that she discovered the truth about her past—truth that would’ve been disorienting and overwhelming. How would any of us feel if we woke up one day and learned that the people we trusted as our parents weren’t actually who we thought they were?
Joseph, in a way, had a similar experience. His life began with privilege and favor. He had dreams that hinted at greatness, and things seemed to be going well for him. But just like Lulu, his world shifted dramatically. His brothers sold him into slavery, and suddenly, Joseph was taken from his home, his family, and his comfortable life. He was thrown into an environment that was foreign, filled with confusion and hardship, much like how Lulu found herself lost in a family that wasn’t truly hers.
But just as Lulu’s journey eventually led her to the truth, so did Joseph’s. What seemed like misfortune and betrayal became stepping stones toward a higher purpose. God was at work behind the scenes, piecing together events to reveal a greater plan. Joseph’s trials ultimately led to him becoming a ruler in Egypt, saving countless lives—including those of his own family.
Even when we don’t know what the next roll of the die will bring, we can rest assured that every roll is part of God's divine plan, drawing us closer to Him and eternity.
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