Joseph – Governor (Part 1)
Gen 42:6 And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph’s brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth
There are many categories of power. The Bible declares that all power belongs to God – whichever the category. There is the lowest category which is economic power. This is wealth and financial means that enable us not just to be sustained but to accomplish exploits such as feeding others. The Bible tells us that poverty does not glorify God nor will His own lack for bread or beg. Our Father is a great provider. There is also political power which is higher than economic power. Political power will often equate to economic power. This is power to rule over territories and demand obedience of populations. Joseph had political power as governor over the land. But there is a third category of power. This is Spiritual power i.e. power with God to decree and shape history from the spiritual realms. This is the highest power. People will bow before all categories of power. The higher the category level the more people will be subjects.
The brothers of Joseph, lacked every category of power. The famine had wiped out economic power that they may have had, they had no political power in the foreign land of Egypt, they were subjects and so they bowed before Joseph their junior brother. God does not want us to be powerless, robbed of all our powers. A powerless Christian is weak, vulnerable and will fall into many traps and temptations. It is not that he wants to be unreliable, but he lacks the power to sustain his resolve in whatever he sets his mind to. He ends up double minded – weak in all His ways.
How long will you bow to forces you should reign over? How long will you be subject to even the lower powers. Is it not God who gives power to make wealth? In this earlier part of this devotional reflect on the first two categories of power. Perhaps you are failing because you find yourself always oppressed and made to give in – even when you see otherwise, you cannot backup your decision with action. You have no means to look after your home and feed your children. You need to pay the rent. You want to build a church for God and give even more to others but you have no power to do so. Instead you borrow and bow to crippling debts.
Today by the mercy and grace of God you are coming up higher. God will empower you financially to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. Go to the God who empowers, tell him what you want to do for Him with the power that He will grant.
Song.
All hail the power of Jesus name
Let Angels prostrate fall 2ce
Bring forth the royal diadem
and crown Him Lord of all.
Prayer: O Lord, I am tired of the valley of powerlessness … raise me up in your power. Amen
The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa
