Genesis 41-50    Pharoah's dream.. Joseph's destiny.   He goes from prison to 2nd in power for the nation of Egypt.. all in one day.  Only God would have such a plan.. only God would bring about His purposes for Israel in such an extraordinary way.  Through all that happens.. Joseph gives the glory to God. 

Joseph is 30 years old when this chapter of his life begins. He becomes a powerful leader.  He is given a wife and has 2 sons. And... his brothers come and bow before him.. just as he had dreamt so many years before.  

Joseph tested his brothers to see what kind of men they had become. More than anything, he wanted to see his younger brother Benjamin and his father Jacob.  He heard the confession of his brother Reuben (42:22); he listened to the plea of his brother Judah.  He held Simeon captive in exchange for the return of the rest of the brothers, including Benjamin.  Tears and more tears accompany the reunion of Joseph with his brothers and with his father. 

The book of Genesis ends with the death of Jacob and then the death of Joseph.  The history of a nation born within the nation of Egypt.. is given to Moses.  It is a hard look at people who, but for the GRACE of God, would not be remembered at all.  It would be 400 years before God would move His people out of Egypt and back to Canaan.. the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  God's plans are hard to comprehend sometimes.. it seems like He always wants us to learn to wait.. and maybe that is the lesson we need the most.. 

Father, we wait for that day when You will move us.. to the Promised land.. the City that Abraham was looking for.. "which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God". ( Hebrews 11:10)  We are waiting to hear the trumpet sound... for the clouds to be rolled back like a scroll.. to be caught up in the air with our King, Jesus Christ. Help us to be alert and joyful.. ready and faithful... help us to be filled by Your Spirit and working as You call us to work, while we wait.  Let Your Name be hallowed, Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done, we pray. In Jesus' name. Amen.