“Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt” (Genesis 39:1 ESV).
Joseph was brought “down to Egypt.” The Lord’s plan to elevate Joseph over his brethren, and one day rescue them from famine, led downward. The dreamer found himself in a nightmare. Down, down, down he went. The once favored son was betrayed by his brethren, stripped of his robes, thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and left forsaken in a prison. Yet, Joseph’s character never crumbled, nor did his faith fail. He kept on trusting the Lord. And the Lord lifted him up to save his family. If Genesis 38 revealed the wickedness of humanity, then Genesis 39 foreshadowed God’s eternal plan to rescue it.
The story of Joseph points to Jesus. For the beloved Son of God removed His divine robes, and made “Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and came in the likeness of men” (Phil. 2:6-7). He was betrayed by His brethren and was “obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross” (Phil. 2:8). He was taken down even to the tomb, yet on the third day He rose again.
“Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:8-11).
Just as Joseph’s betraying brothers later bowed before him, so all humanity will one day bow before the Lord Jesus. Reading the Scriptures, we should always look for Jesus. Looking with spiritual eyes, we will see Him on every page.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the Good News of our redemption in Christ Jesus. For He descended down that we might be lifted up with Him. Strengthen us to be faithful during down times, knowing that we are already hidden in Christ with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.