God's Representative: Joseph
Youth’s Instructor--March 11, 1897
It was God's design that through Joseph, Bible religion should
be introduced among the Egyptians. This faithful witness was to
represent Christ in the court of kings. Through dreams, God
communicated with Joseph in his youth, giving him an intimation
of the high position he would be called to fill. The brothers of
Joseph, to prevent the fulfilment of his dreams, sold him as a
slave, but their cruel act resulted in bringing about the very
thing the dreams had foretold.
Those who seek to turn aside the purpose of God, and oppose his
will, may appear for a time to prosper; but God is at work to
fulfil his own purposes, and he will make manifest who is the
ruler of the heavens and the earth.
Joseph regarded his being sold into Egypt as the greatest
calamity that could have befallen him; but he saw the
necessity of trusting in God as he had never done when
protected by his father's love. Joseph brought God with him into
Egypt, and the fact was made apparent by his cheerful demeanor
amid his sorrow. This was manifested in so marked a manner that
Potiphar, in whose house he served, attributed all his blessings
to his purchased slave, and made him a son rather than a
servant. It is God's purpose that those who love and honor his
name shall be honored also themselves, and that the glory given
to God through them shall be reflected upon themselves.
Joseph's character did not change when he was exalted to a
position of trust. He was brought where his virtue would shine
in distinct light in good works. The blessing of God rested upon
him in the house and in the field. All the responsibilities of
Potiphar's house were placed upon him. And in all this he
manifested steadfast integrity; for he loved and feared God.
Joseph had been tried by parental fondness and partiality; by
the enmity, envy, and hatred of his brothers; by the esteem and
confidence of his master; and by his high position of honor. He
was tried by the seductions of woman's charms, by the flattery
of her lips and her lawless love. But the steadfast virtue of
Joseph would not permit him to listen to the voice of the
tempter. The law of the Lord was his delight, and he would not
depart from its precepts. In his life the light of heaven shone
forth in clear and distinct rays.
Power was to be put into the hands of Joseph, and through him
God was to be revealed as the ruler of the heavens and the
earth. But he was to be trained in adversity,--the school in
which God designs that his children shall learn. When Joseph
interpreted the dreams of the butler and the cupbearer, he
begged to be remembered when the chief butler should be
reinstated in his position; but he was forgotten, and remained
two years longer in the prison.
But a more exalted person than the butler had a dream, and when
there could be found no one able to interpret it, Joseph was
called to the remembrance of the butler. "Then Pharaoh sent and
called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon:
and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto
Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream,
and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of
thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it."
Joseph did not take the glory to himself. He pointed Pharaoh to
God, saying, "It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer
of peace."
Through the wisdom given him of God, Joseph could see the true
meaning of the dream. He saw the wonderful workings of God, and
he laid the whole matter distinctly before Pharaoh. He revealed
to him the long famine that was to visit the land, and the plans
to be pursued in order to save the nation from destruction. In
every word he uttered Joseph revealed the wisdom of Heaven. His
words were received as gold, and the answer was returned to him:
"Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so
discreet and wise as thou art: thou shalt be over my house, and
according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in
the throne will I be greater than thou." And without delay
Joseph was proclaimed ruler.
Joseph bore his honors with calmness and dignity. He knew that
he had been placed in this position by the Lord; for he had not
sought it himself. He did not keep aloof from those with whom
his work brought him into association. As a faithful ruler he
devoted himself to the interests of the people. He was devoted
in his worship of Jehovah, and though brought in contact with
the most learned men of the world, he preserved his integrity.
Joseph represented Christ. He stood for many years as the
honored ruler of Egypt. In his life and character was manifested
that which was lovely, and pure, and noble. In bearing his
sorrows under trying circumstances, and in enduring temptation,
Joseph was one in character with Christ. He identified his
interest with every interest of the people, as did Christ, and
as God designs that his representatives in the world shall do.
The example of Joseph, shining with heaven's brightness, did not
shine in vain among this people for whom Christ had pledged
himself to become an offering,--a people whom God had taken
under his guardianship, and upon whom he was bestowing not only
temporal but spiritual blessings, in order to attract them to
himself.
Mrs. E. G. White.