This week’s reading: Genesis 37-47

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not exist in a vacuum. They stood in the long history of God’s people, drawing strength from the Scriptures and examples of those who came before them. How does a believer in God remain faithful in a faithless society? They needed to look no further than the story of Joseph.

— Read Genesis 37 (skip 38), 39-40 —

Joseph, Part 1

Joseph was the favored son of Jacob (also known as Israel). At age seventeen, he received two dreams that foreshadowed his future prominence, provoking jealousy and bitterness among his brothers. Those brothers conspired against him, first throwing him into a pit and later selling him into slavery in Egypt—the pagan power of that day. In short, Joseph the promised one became the abandoned one.

In Egypt, Joseph was far from his family but the LORD was near to him. He quickly found favor in Potiphar’s (an officer of Pharaoh) house, where he was successful and entrusted with significant responsibilities in Egypt. 

Despite the pressures to compromise, Joseph remained allegiant to the LORD in Egypt and rejected the advances of Potiphar’s wife. He was then falsely accused and imprisoned. Despite this setback, the LORD remained with Joseph, granting him favor even in prison. 

In prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker, predicting correctly their fate. He asked the cupbearer to remember him when he returns to Pharaoh, but the cupbearer forgot Joseph after his release.

See the Similarities: Joseph & Daniel

• Favor with the LORD and political authorities: Despite being cast into Egypt, “the Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man” (Genesis 39:2). Not only did he have favor in the eyes of the LORD, he also found favor in the sight of Egyptian authorities. Even when he was thrown into prison, “the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison” (39:21). Do you remember who else found favor with the LORD and political authorities? Daniel! Go back and read Daniel 1:17-21.
• Conviction over compromise: When Joseph’s master’s wife tried to seduce him, he held firmly to his convictions and “refused” her advances, saying, “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:8-9). What could have been a moment of temptation became a powerful display of integrity. Likewise, Daniel “resolved” not to defile himself with the king’s food (Daniel 1:8). Both men saw their allegiance to the LORD’s kingdom as far greater than the allure of earthly kingdoms.
• The LORD reveals: Joseph saw two men who were troubled by dreams in prison and looking for interpretations. Instead of telling them he could, he humbly admitted that “interpretations belong to God” (Genesis 40:8). Humanity cannot discern these messages, but there is a God in Heaven who can. Sound familiar? Daniel answered the King the same way: “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries” (Daniel 2:27). 

Meditation

Have you ever felt like God’s presence is distant, or like your life has gone off course? Look at the story of Joseph. Betrayed by his brothers, separated from his family, sold into slavery, surrounded by the temptations of Egypt’s wealth and power, falsely accused, and imprisoned—yet through it all, Joseph remained faithful to the LORD. He trusted that God was with him, whether in the palace or the prison, and used his trials as an opportunity to demonstrate his faith. Faithfulness to God isn’t just possible in hard times—it’s powerful. 

Joseph’s story, along with Daniel’s, reminds us that God is always near, even when we feel alone or out of place. Their unwavering trust in God calls us to do the same—holding fast to our convictions and trusting that God will work through our faithfulness, even when the path forward is unclear. Where is God calling you to be faithful today?

Prayer

Lord Jesus,  

Thank You for the examples of Joseph and Daniel, 

who trusted You in the hardest moments. 

Help me to stay true to You 

when I face temptation or feel alone. 

Remind me that You are always near,

turning my trials into opportunities for trust.

Amen.

— Read Genesis 41-47 —

Joseph, Part 2

After being forgotten by the cupbearer, Joseph remained in prison until Pharaoh was troubled with dreams. The cupbearer remembered Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams and recommended him to Pharaoh. Joseph was brought from the prison to the palace, where he interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, revealing a coming famine and advising on how to prepare. Impressed by Joseph’s wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him as second-in-command over all of Egypt.

During the years of abundance, Joseph collected grain to prepare for the impending famine. When the famine struck, it affected not only Egypt but surrounding lands, including Canaan, where Joseph’s family lived. His brothers came to Egypt seeking food, not recognizing Joseph, who now looked like an Egyptian leader. 

Joseph tested his brothers to see if they had changed since selling him into slavery. After several encounters, he revealed his identity and forgave them, recognizing that the LORD had used their actions for good. He reconciled with his family and invited them to live in Egypt, ensuring their survival during the famine.

See the Similarities: Joseph & Daniel

• Troubled Kings with Dreams: The most powerful men are powerless over their sleep. Both Pharaoh and King Nebuchadnezzar experienced distressing dreams that troubled them deeply, prompting them to seek interpretations from those around them. Their struggles set the stage for the LORD to reveal truth through Joseph and Daniel. 
• Favor in a Foreign Land: Just as Joseph found favor with Pharaoh (Genesis 41:40-41), Daniel received favor from King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:46-49). Both stories demonstrate that the LORD will often elevate His servants even in foreign lands. 
• Enemy Love: Joseph extended love and forgiveness to his brothers, welcoming them back despite their betrayal. Similarly, Daniel and his friends showed concern and courtesy to those who violently opposed him. Both men exemplified the call to love those who persecute us.

Meditation

From prisoner to prime minister, Joseph trusted God’s plan even in the darkest moments. “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20). His ability to forgive his brothers and see God’s hand in their betrayal challenges us to view our struggles through a lens of faith.

The stories of Joseph and Daniel remind us that God is working behind the scenes. As we trust him with today, God is working together forever. Where is God asking you to trust Him today?

Prayer

LORD,  

Thank You for Joseph’s story, 

which shows us that You are sovereign in every situation.  

May I find courage to forgive, just as Joseph did,  

and recognize Your hand at work in my life right now.  

Amen.