Reading: And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? Genesis 41:38

Joseph’s rise to prominence in Egypt was part of the sovereign plan and purpose of God. As a young man Joseph was blessed by his father but belittled by his brethren. 

His brothers hated him, and when opportunity presented itself, they stripped him and sold him as a slave into Egypt. These harsh circumstances did nothing to blunt Joseph’s walk with God. Joseph maintained a godly and gracious reputation. He bore his afflictions with patience. He remained a meek and gentle man. He continued to trust in God, knowing that in the midst of all his changing scenes, God remained unchanged in His love towards him.

Joseph was a spiritually-minded man. His godly and spiritual character were eventually recognised after he interpreted Pharaoh’s two dreams. The secret of the Lord was with him and when Joseph told of the need to appoint officers over the land to prepare for seven years of famine, Pharaoh asked, “Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?” Joseph’s greatest qualification for the task was not his ability to deal with people or his knowledge of agriculture, but the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph was a Spirit-filled man and that made him an exceptionally useful man.

This is the great need of every true believer. The smallest task cannot be completed to God’s glory if we do not know God’s power. Our very best efforts will be doomed to failure and even our modest expectations will never be realised if we do not know the power of the Spirit. Joseph was readily recognised as a spiritual man. May it be true of all of God’s people that even the ungodly will recognise the fruit of the Spirit in our lives as we serve Christ.

“The more we are filled with the Holy Spirit, the more we shall glorify the Lord Jesus.” Frank Gabelein

Taken from A Word in Season edited by Alan Cairns, 2010. Used by permission.